St. Isaac the Syrian: No one can ascend unto heaven with comfort...

Behold, for years and generations, the way of God has been leveled by the cross and by death. 

How is this with thee, that thou seest the afflictions of the way as if they were out of the way? Doest not thou wish to follow the steps of the saints? Or doest thou wish to go a way which is especially for thee, without suffering? the way unto God is a daily cross. 

No one can ascend unto heaven with comfort, we know where the way of comfort leads.

St. Isaac the Syrian