INTRODUCTION:

Often we experience a constant source of pressure and sometimes have a tendency to get mad at God because He doesn't fix it. An examination of some reasons why.

I. Because we caused the problem and it's up to us to fix it; or - Sowing and reaping

A. The pressure - (Gen. 27:41-46). This few days (vs.44) turns out to be 20 years.

B. God is still interested in blessing Jacob. (Gen. 28:10-15), but He doesn't remove the threat of Esau, which was Jacob's doing.

C. God's continued blessing (Gen. 30:43) (can't you find some blessings)

D. More pressure - (Gen. 31:1-7) (more sowing and reaping)

E. One pressure overrides another (Gen. 31:17).

F. In law problems (Gen. 31:25-31).

G. Even the blessings were all accompanied by problems (Gen. 31:38-42).

H. Going back to the original problem (Gen. 32:3-7).

I. Jacob relies on a promise (Gen. 32:9-12).

J. Desperation sets in (Gen. 32:13-20).

K. God can fix the problem, but you may have to wrestle Him for it (Gen. 32:24-31).

L. The final moment (Gen. 33:1-9).

II. To prevent pride from controlling us -

(2 Cor. 12:7-11; Prov. 16:18,19) God can keep the pressure on to keep you humble to prevent destruction.

III. To get the job done -

Nehemiah

Enemies from without, (Neh. 4:7-9).

Saboteurs from within, (Neh. 5:1-5).