Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
[King James translation]
Summary
It is interesting to compare mankind’s quality of life before the fall (before Adam disobeyed GOD) and afterwards. Before the fall, Adam lived in GOD’s garden. Eden was a GODly place and a beautiful space, created and designed by GOD. GOD planted trees, with the choicest of fruit. Eden was a place of peace and comfort. Most importantly, it was a place where humanity could be with the CREATOR. In Eden, Adam could commune with HIS creator, talk with HIM, walk with HIM and do the work that the CREATOR designed specifically for him. It was ideal.
But as a result of Adams disobedience, and generations of male and female “Adams” thereafter, humanity separated from GOD. One of the consequences of disobedience was that while humanity would still be able to eat, no longer would humans eat from GOD’s special garden. Adam would have to plant his own garden. Adam would have to sweat. Adam would have to face obstacles. Instead of the beautiful trees and the easy accessible fruit dangling from branches, Adam would encounter “thorns and thistles.” (See, Genesis 3:18.) Adam would have to deal with “the dust” and “the ground”---his very own nature, trying to live---trying to eat. Living outside of GOD’s presence would be hard. It would be frustrating.
Yet, one of the greatest lessons of the Bible, is that the story did not end with “the fall.” GOD has continuously, because of GOD GREAT GRACE, provided:
- When the Israelites were sweating in the wilderness, complaining and unhappy about all of the obstacles in their lives, GOD rained down bread from heaven. (See Exodus 16:4)
- Job’s “thorns and thistles” seemed to be never ending. They attacked his flesh and his spirit. He could find no comfort---not even from his friends and his wife. It seemed like everything he had already worked and sweated for just disappeared overnight. Job’s sweat was also the sweat of illness. Circumstances seemed so discouraging and futile that Job even started to question his own existence, because, in his suffering mind, death seemed better than life. But, in the midst of his despair, GOD found Job, talked to him and reminded him who GOD IS.
There are many other examples and Biblical witnesses to GOD’s AMAZING GRACE. The greatest act of GRACE was GOD sending HIS SON, JESUS, THE CHRIST to “redeem mankind. JESUS took the thorns and thistles of life, which he wore in HIS suffering and then turned them into a crown of glory and victory, when HE then rose, with all authority.
JESUS sweated too. In a “prayer garden” called Gethsemane, in HIS agony, HIS sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (See, Luke 22:39-44) Yet, HE continued to commune with GOD. HE continued to pray. And GOD, in HIS GRACE, heard HIM. (See, John 11:41)
Yes, the Bible has a lot to say about sweat, the thorns and thistles of life and GOD’s GRACE.
EXERCISE SWEAT
One of the more famous quotes attributed to Edgar Allen Poe is “The best things in life make you sweaty.” Whether Poe actually said this or not, when it comes to exercise, the subject of sweat or being sweaty can be complicated and sometimes misleading.
Some people just sweat more than other people. So, just because a person sweats does not mean they are losing weight or that a person is getting a better workout. Generally, sweat is the normal reaction of the body when your body is working harder. It is the body’s cooling mechanism to reduce body heat. However, sometimes sweating can be the result of medical conditions. Excessing sweating can be caused by a thyroid condition, diabetes or infection. If you are experiencing excessive sweating or have concerns, consult your personal physician.
If you sweat during exercise, you may need to consume more liquids to offset the loss of fluid from your body. In “Dehydration and Exercise,” some of the tips for maintaining proper hydration include:
- Drink water before and after exercise. You may also want to drink water during exercise if you exercise for long periods of time.
- Although people tend to drink when the weather is hot, be sure to also drink when the weather is cold.
- Before and after exercise try to avoid beverages that contain alcohol.
- The risk of dehydration is especially high when a person is exercising in hot or humid conditions, when a person is at risk for heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
See, “Dehydration and Exercise,” http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/dehydration-exercise.
If you are concerned about wanting to “sweat more” when you exercise or are seeking exercises that make you sweat, speak to a trainer or your physician for an exercise that if right for you, especially if you are a beginner, have health problems or have a goal, such as weight loss.
Remember it never hurts to ask an expert or to seek the advice of a good authority.
SWEAT & LIFE & THE BIBLE
Life often has its thorns and thistles. Sometimes just “eking out a living” seems to take up all one’s time and energy. There are people on the street who often don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Life can make you sweat. But, often people just don’t want to sweat. Like Job, they feel beat up, or just need answers.
The good news is that GOD still IS. GOD still has GREAT GRACE and HE still hears our prayers. HE is still willing to speak to us through HIS WORD.
There are still Bible lessons to learn. The Bible is still a source of hydration and spiritual and physical health.
So, read, learn and pray. And, when you sweat continue to seek GOD’s GRACE.
Stay Biblically hydrated and BE BLESSED!
