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 humanity’s quality of life before the fall (before Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD) and afterward. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in GOD’s garden. Eden was a GODly place. It was a beautiful space, created and designed by GOD. GOD made all sorts of trees grow out the ground. And, the trees produced the choicest of fruit. Rivers flowed out of Eden so that everything was naturally watered.
Eden was a place of peace and comfort. It was an easy life. Most importantly, it was a place where humanity could be with THE CREATOR. In Eden, Adam could commune with his creator, talk with GOD, walk with GOD and do the work GOD designed specifically for him. It was ideal.
But paradise was soon lost. As a result of disobedience, and generations of male and female acts of disobediences thereafter, humanity separated itself from GOD. One of the consequences of disobedience was that humans would no longer be able to eat from GOD’s special garden. Adam and Eve would have to plant their own garden. Adam and Eve would have to sweat. They would have plant fields. And, it would not be easy. Adam would 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.” Because of GOD’s MERCY and GRACE, GOD continued to provide:
- 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. Job’s 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. Excessive 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. Lewis G. Maharam, MD, a New York-based sports medicine expert offers the following tips for dealing with hydration and exercising in heat:
- Prep yourself for the heat. Take 10 days to two weeks to gradually get used to exercising in hot weather. Build up workout intensity and duration gradually.
- If you are not running a race, “the rule of thumb is to drink 8 ounces of a sports drink or water possibly every 20 minutes.” No more, no less.
- If you exercise less than 40 minutes, water is fine. If you exercise over 40 minutes, you may want a sports drink with salt of sugar in it. This will help increase the fluids
that go into your body. - When choosing a sports drink, you may also want to consider a vitamin-infused beverage. They are useful for recovery and post-event soreness, but generally not for hydration on the day of the event.
- It is important to replace the fluids you lose during exercise. Weigh yourself before your workout and afterward. For every pound lost, drink 8 ounces of fluid.
See, “Hydration: The Key to Exercise Success, Quench your thirst safely this summer and avoid dehydration,” by Denise Mann, www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/hydration-key-to-exercise-success#2.
Many exercise experts also suggest avoiding alcoholic beverages before and after exercise. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means alcohol causes your kidneys will produce more urine. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration or make dehydration worse.
If you want to “sweat more” when you exercise or are seeking exercises that make you sweat, speak to a trainer or your physician for exercises that are 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 AND 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. Those living on the streets are often hungry, tired and may not have a plan for getting their next meal. There is no doubt, life can make you sweat. As the elders might say, if you haven’t ever sweated, just keep living. Like Job, many feel beat up, or just need answers.
The good news is that GOD still IS. GOD still hears our prayers. The HOLY SPIRIT still hears our every groan. GOD still speaks to us through HIS WORD.
There are still Bible lessons to learn. The Bible is still a source of spiritual hydration and strength.
So, drink up. Read and pray. Pray and read. Continue to run and continue to seek GOD’s AMAZING GRACE.
Stay Biblically hydrated and BE BLESSED!
