One mark of an effective leader is the wisdom to choose the right battle. Never choose contrary to God. Not every road block is placed in your path by Satan. God sometimes makes a path harder in order to discourage bad decisions or to promote personal or spiritual growth.

Balaam struck the donkey three times and then God struck Balaam and Balak three times. They were slow learners like you and me.

Greed and fear lie at the root of countless bad decisions. Just ask Balak, Balaam, Haman, and Hitler.
Numbers 22-25