The very fire which purifies gold, also consumes wood. Precious metals shine in it like the sun, rubbish burns with black smoke. All are in the same fire of Love. Some shine and others become black and dark. In the same furnace steel shines like the sun, whereas clay turns dark and is hardened like stone. …God is a loving fire, and He is a loving fire for all: good and bad. There is, however, a great difference in the way people receive this loving fire of God… The difference is in man, not God.
-Dr. Alexandre Kalomiros, The River of Fire, pp. 17 & 19, 20th century


Christ did not command the winds to cease at that time, but Himself stretched forth His hand and took hold of Peter, because here faith was required of him. When we do not do our part, divine (grace) slows and stands still.. . . it was not the wind that did Peter harm; his lack of faith sank him. Where faith is fruitfu, firm and strong, none of the evils that may befall us can do us any harm.
-St. John Chrysostom, The Gospel Commentary edited by Hieromonk German Ciuba, 2002, 4th Century


And then we shall hear Him calling out and saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. This truth is supported by an understanding that the bad and terrible things of the present time are passing; they come and they go; therefore, fear not what is transient and evanescent. It is I, (He says,) meaning, I am ever-existent; as God I am He Who is. Do not betray your faith and your love for Me for the sake of the temporal things of the present.
-St. John Chrysostom, The Gospel Commentary edited by Hieromonk German Ciuba, 2002, 4th Century