By Archimandrite Aimilianos of Simonopetra
When, my beloved, your Christian life begins to become difficult and it seems like your cross is unbearable, remain steadfast, become a martyr. Say to yourself, "Let us stand aright," remain steadfast. Say, like the Prophet, "Behold, Lord, I stand here to execute Your will," or like the Panagia, "Behold, the servant of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word."
If you will endure, then after the storm will come the calm, and your life will again become festive. Now you will also have additional insight into the spiritual struggle, you will have experience.
After this trial, after you have lifted up your cross, there will light up within you the flame of divine eros. You will acquire the most beautiful, the most strong, the most pure and the most angelic love, the love of God.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.