Then he said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you]” And to the man he said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.”
Genesis 3:16-19 (NLT)
OUR HOPE IS NOT LOST
Reading this part of the story can be challenging. The consequences of Adam and Eve’s choices have an impact on all of us.
Growing up, I spent quite a bit of time helping my grandparents keep weeds and thorns out of their crops. That was hard work! My husband and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, and we both know that is a testament to the grace of God—because marriage is hard work. And as a mother, I can vouch that childbirth is painful. However, all that personal labor brings good benefits: nutritious food, a loving marriage, and beautiful children, respectively.
We know the rest of the story—and Jesus changes everything! John, in Revelation, tells us:
“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’” (Revelation 21:3–4)
As we wrap up this week’s story of Adam and Eve, please remember: when this world seems hard, God is close. He is ever-present, preparing to come for His bride. One day, He will return and make everything right. Sin will be no more, and our hope will be fulfilled.
Bridget Turner serves as the Director of Women’s Groups at NorthStar Church. She and her husband, Steve, live in Powder Springs and have two young adult children, Hannah and Joshua. She enjoys watching football, traveling and reading.
