"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century


Nothing comes without effort. The help of God is always ready and always near, but is given only to those who seek and work, and only to those seekers who, after putting all their powers to the test, then cry out with their whole heart: "Lord, help us."
-St. Theophan the Recluse 19th Century


If you would be victorious, taste the suffering of Christ in your person, that you may be chosen to taste His glory. For if we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him.

Blessed are you if you suffer for righteousness' sake. Behold, for years and generations the way of God has been made smooth through the Cross and by death. The way of God is a daily Cross.

The Cross is the gate of mysteries.
-St. Isaac the Syrian, The Orthodox Way: Revised Edition, SVS Press, p. 129