“Agonize the good agony!”
A few years ago, I brought home-made cookies and milk to the prisoners in the Brig. (Thanks Dubs!) I also showed The Nativity Story, the movie depicting the birth of Christ. Afterwards, I asked the men, “Joseph and Mary… is it safe to say adventure was a part of their lives? Would encountering angels be considered an adventure? And believing their divine, bewildering messages? What about yielding to the angel’s words with, ‘Be it unto me according to thy word’? How about Mary’s parents upon the discovery of their daughter’s pregnancy? Can you imagine Mary having to deal with their words, thoughts, and unbelief? What about the thoughts of the community, public opinion, and gossip? Not to mention the requirements of the law which called for stoning. Do you reckon there were doubters and scoffers of this entire situation?”
I continued, “What about living under Roman rule, heavy taxation, and the census? Then there was King Herod who vehemently tried to find this coming Messiah, so as to eliminate all threats to his rule. Yikes! What about having to travel about a hundred miles on foot and by donkey to Bethlehem? While late-term?! Also, as soon-to-be parents, do you think Joseph and Mary had any concerns, reservations, or fears about raising the son of God? Yeah, there’s that. Lol! I’m certain Joseph and Mary wrestled with their faith-walk, not fully sure of what they were doing, simply pressing forward in faith, and quite possibly, frequently asking God for signs that they were on the right path. Sound familiar?”
“Then there’s the unique star guiding the wise men and the shepherds. That had to be something to behold. How about arriving in Bethlehem and Mary goes into labor, but they can’t find a room? Anywhere! And, your only option is a barn?!! (Ah, good times, good times.) I’m fairly certain that as a father, I’d have had moments of anger, fear, cynicism, and feelings of failure… with critical thoughts like, ‘Yeah, that’s something I’ve always looked forward to. Having my child born in a barn!’ Then, can you imagine, after having given birth, shepherds come out of nowhere to tell of an angelic visitation and message, and they fall in worship at this baby-gift from God? Soon after, three wise men show up unannounced, bearing incalculable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They’ve been rejoicing with exceeding joy at the star that guided them, then, at the sight of the holy infant, they kneel in reverence to this King of kings. Top that off with another angelic visitation in the form of a warning to flee to Egypt. Adventure? A bit overwhelming? Of course.”
I underscored these events to remind the men that today, where our personal faith-walks are concerned, nothing has changed. We’re still called by God to lives of faith, and I can most assure you, that it will be an adventure. Joseph and Mary ran and finished their race. Their time on stage complete, were they perfect? Of course not. Did they make mistakes? Certainly. But, they completed their god-assigned mission while on this earth. Likewise, sons and daughters of God are called into His love and His works. Ephesians 2:10 says “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which He has prepared, in advance, for us to accomplish.”
We need reminders though, that doing His works will require faith, and genuine faith is gonna cost you something. Let me put it like this: Faith looks good on paper, but it’s when you step out to execute that plan, stuff happens. C. S. Lewis keenly observed that “Adventures are never fun while you’re having them.” LOL! Some time ago, I heard a boxing manager say, “Every fighter has a fight plan until they get punched in the face.” How appropriate.
1 Timothy 6:12 exhorts us to fight the good fight of faith! “Agonize the good agony” is how Adam Clarke put it. Real talk, something about this bothers me and makes me uncomfortable. Why am I called to “fight”? Why didn’t God make it so I could “just walk” or “just stroll” or “just live” the faith? Where’s the peace and comfort that’s supposed to come with “for God so loved the world”?!!
Instead, God says we’re to “fight for the good fight.” The Greek word for fight here is agoÃŒ”žnizomai (G73), which means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something): – fight, labor fervently, strive. We’re exhorted to agonize?!! (Sigh)
Being a Christian today isn’t easy, and it’s getting worse, whether you realize this or not. However, our commission from Jesus Christ to “go and preach the gospel” and “make disciples” hasn’t changed. My charge and encouragement to Christians is,
get involved — ministerially, familially, locally, nationally, politically, judicially, educationally, conversationally, etc. Engage everyone in your circle of influence with the love, truth, and power of God’s word.
So, where faith-works are concerned, start taking big swings! As a matter of fact, “Swing for the fence,” and, “Knock it out of the park!” It’ll all be worth it! We all are given only one life to live on this earth, so stop being afraid and start being in faith! Adventure awaits — and trials, to be sure — but “he that winneth souls is wise” (Pro 11:30) and eternal life with Christ is the prize!
In closing, we need your help. Being full-time missionaries in Japan is physically and spiritually demanding, and financially expensive. We’re genuinely about The Father’s Business, but we simply cannot fulfill these ministries without financial support. Please consider partnering with us through financial gifts and offerings. Donations can be made online at CinA.