8. To select a good deed depends on the initiator;
to realize the intention — that is God’s deed. Consequently, let us adhere to
the rule, so that every good intention that comes to us is followed by frequent
prayers, appealing to God to not only grant us help, but also if it is pleasing
or not to Him. Because not every good intention comes from God, but only those
that are beneficial.
8. Sometimes, a person wishes something good, but
God doesn’t help him — maybe because the intention came from the devil and is
not for our benefit; or maybe because it is beyond our strength as we have not
attained the necessary spiritual level; or maybe because it doesn’t correspond
to our calling; or maybe because the time is not right to initiate it; or maybe
because we don’t have the necessary knowledge or strength to accomplish it; or
maybe because circumstances will not contribute to its success. Besides this,
the devil contrives in every way to paint it as something good so that having
inclined us toward it, he could upset our spiritual tranquility or inflict harm
on us. That’s why it is necessary for us to diligently examine all our good
desires. Better still, do everything after seeking counsel.
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