Haggai 1:6 (NIV): “You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
Last year it was toilet paper and disinfectants. Now, apparently, shortages will be much more widespread. And it is apparently global. The “Just-In-Time” production model has been used by companies worldwide to create items for immediate need. It actually avoids waste. That is good, at least when it works. Unfortunately, supply chain disruptions and global uncertainties due to the current pandemic have led to problems.
I like my stuff. Don’t you? When I go to a store to buy something, I want it to be there. Now, I may have to wait or the price may have significantly gone up.
In the above verse Haggai also addressed supply chain disruptions. The economy of the returned exiles was hurting. There were food shortages. Clothes weren’t adequate. Money just wasn’t going as far as it should. Sound familiar?
The reason for the shortages during the time of Haggai was that the people of the day had neglected building the Temple. In other words, they put more value on their on needs than on serving the Lord. Focusing on themselves backfired. They had removed themselves from the blessings of God.
I can be so guilty of doing the same thing. I want what I want when I want it. I save up to buy things that I feel that I should have. All the while, I can ignore the plans and purposes of the Lord. I have to ask myself, “What is most important? Has God blessed me to take care of myself, or to bless others?”
Prayer: Please forgive me, Lord. My tendency is to be selfish. I neglect what is important to You. Today, may I embrace a generosity to bless others. May I see the world the way You do. In so doing, any supply chain issues are minimized as I put my trust in You.
