In the Arena continues the story of Isobel Kuhn, begun in bestselling "By Searching." The title refers to the biblical idea that the Christian is on display, like someone condemned to die in the arena. Isobel was convinced that the trials of her life as a missionary were "arena experiences" which God used not to punish her but to reveal Himself. As she looked back on her life when dying of cancer, she felt that her most valuable lessons had been learned during times of trial. In the Arena continues the story of Isobel Kuhn, begun in bestselling "By Searching." The title refers to the biblical idea that the Christian is on display, like someone condemned to die in the arena. Isobel was convinced that the trials of her life as a missionary were "arena experiences" which God used not to punish her but to reveal Himself. As she looked back on her life when dying of cancer, she felt that her most valuable lessons had been learned during times of trial.