A Quote by St. Macarius of Optina on god, christianity, help, trouble, enlightenment, awakening, truth, freedom, and joy

Listen!  God, Himself says, 'Call upon Me in the time of trouble so that I will hear thee and thou will praise Me'.  Afflictions confirm us in our faith, and teach us to set worldly glory at naught.  Believe firmly that no suffering or sorrow can visit us --- not a hair of our heads can fall --- with out God intending it.  Although we are always inclined to put down our misfortunes to the ill will or stupidity of other men, these are in reality, only tools in the hand of God; tools used to fashion our salvation.  Therefore take heart and pray to our Lord Who is always at work for our salvation, using to this end both what we call happiness and what we call sorrow.