Way of the Ascetics Quotes

“You may be wondering: but why? The wise answer: Obstacles and outside opposition are met only by one who has not surrendered his will to God; for God cannot be hindered. A truly pleasing deed for one's neighbor is not mine but God's: it can meet no obstacle. Only against our own plans and desires — to learn, to work, to rest, to eat, or to serve one's neighbor — can some adverse circumstances arise, and then sorrow follows. But for the one who has found the narrow path that leads to life — which is God — there is only one obstacle to overcome, namely his own sinful will. Because in this situation, if he wants to accomplish something but is not allowed to do it, how could he be sad? Besides, someone like this doesn't even make plans (James IV, 13-16).”
― Tito Colliander, Way of the Ascetics: The Ancient Tradition of Discipline and Inner Growth