by Steve Arterburn
When Rick Warren, my pastor, finishes making a point, he’ll often ask the congregation, “Get it?”
To which everyone responds, “Got it!”
He then punctuates his point with a hearty, “Good!”
The most important word picture Jesus painted of God is that of a loving Father—merciful, yet strong. That’s why God, at times, appears unconcerned with preserving our dignity or catering to our emotions. He’s in the character carving business, and if there is some discomfort along the way, then so be it.
For the man who is willing to trust God’s way and be God’s man, even when it hurts, great reward awaits. It’s important to God that we understand this part of it too. It’s like the experience of a big win in sports—a hard-fought victory that sticks with you. You’re changed by it. And the next time you’re in the heat of battle, you know what to expect. You’re better for the experience.
Throughout your life, you’ll inevitably come to forks in the road. And sometimes, one path may look easier than the other. Never make your decision based on that. In fact, when standing before that fork, it’s often the more challenging path—that is, the path that’ll test your character more—that’s the better path.
Those paths that look so daunting at the start are often the same paths we’re later glad we took. For as
Romans 5:4 assures us, perseverance creates character, and character produces hope.
Get it? (pause) Good! Every Mans Battle 
