The Road to Paradise is an "Agonizing" Struggle

The Bible describes life as a race, or an athletic competition. It also says that it is no easy thing to finish the race. Once we choose the path, we must "strive" to get to the goal. The English word "strive" is a translation of a Greek word, agonizomai, from which we derive the English word "agonize."

Of course our coaches don't advocate or require literal "agony" from our clients, but it does reflect a mindset of self-sacrifice and total commitment against a powerful adversary or a lofty goal.

Strong's #75 - αγωνiζομαι

agonizomai - Thayer's Definition
  1. to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games
  2. to contend with adversaries, fight
  3. metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers
  4. to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
Luke 13:24
Agonize to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Colossians 1:29
For this purpose also I labor, agonizing according to His power, which mightily works within me.

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings always agonizing for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

1 Timothy 4:10
For it is for this we labor and agonize, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

1 Timothy 6:12
Agonize the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have agonized the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

Strong's #74 - αγωνiα

agonia - Thayer's Definition
  1. a struggle for victory
    1. gymnastic exercise, wrestling
  2. of severe mental struggles and emotions, agony, anguish
Luke 22:44
And being in a wrestling match He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.