Quotes by St. Isaac the Syrian,St. Mark the Ascetic,St. Maximus the Confessor & St. Nektarius of Aegina ~ Temptations

   When you want to make a beginning of a good deed, first prepare for temptations, which will come to you, and don't doubt the truth [of that which you do for God.]
(St. Isaac the Syrian, Homilies, 57)


   No one can sense his own weakness is at least a small temptation is not allowed to afflict either his body or his soul. Then, comparing his weakness to the help of God, a man comes to know its magnitude. But whoever does not know that he needs God's help, let him make many prayers. Insofar as he multiplies them, in that measure will he be humbled.

(St. Isaac the Syrian, Homilies, 61)


   There is no man who will not be grieved at the time of his chastisement; and there is not man who will not endure a bitter time, when he must drink the poison of temptations. Without them, it is not possible to obtain a strong will. When he has often experienced the help of God in temptations, a man also obtains strong faith.

(St. Isaac the Syrian, Homilies, 37)

   Without temptations, it is not possible to learn the wisdom of the Spirit. It is not possible that Divine love be strengthened in your soul. Before temptations, a man prays to God as a stranger. When temptations are allowed to come by the love of God, and he does not give in to them, then he stands before God as a sincere friend. For in fulfilling the will of God, he has made war on the enemy of God and conquered him.

(St. Isaac the Syrian, Homilies, 5)

  
   Conquer temptations by the patience and prayer. If you oppose them without these, you will fall all the more severely.
(St. Mark the Ascetic, Homilies, 2.106)


   If an unexpected temptation comes, don't blame the one through whom it came, but seek out the reason. Thus you will find correction for your soul.

(St. Maximus the Confessor, Chapters on Love, 2.42)



   Temptations come on some people for the cleansing of previous sins, on other for the beautification of their current perfection, and on yet others, as preparation for things to come, except temptations, which are for the increase of a man's faith and virtue, as it was with Job.

(St. Maximos the Confessor, Chapters on Love, 2.45)


   Temptations come so that hidden passions may be revealed and so that it will be possible to fight them, and so that the soul may be rid of them. They are also a sign of God's mercy. So give yourself with trust into God's hands and ask his help, so that he will strengthen you in your struggle. God knows how much each one can bear and allows temptations according to the measure of our strength. Remember that after temptation comes spiritual joy, and that the Lord protects them that endure temptations and suffering for the sake of His love.

(St. Nektarius of Aegina, The Path to Happiness, 4)


Source:

http://orthodox.cn/patristics/300sayings_en.htm