THEOSISJohn Cassian
The grace of God consistently guides a person’s will, not in a way that completely shelters them from confronting their spiritual adversaries. Instead, the ultimate triumph over these forces is attributed to God's grace, while the inability to prevail highlights human frailty. Consequently, one comes to understand the necessity of depending not on personal bravery but on divine assistance, continually seeking refuge in one’s Protector. To substantiate this with clear references from Sacred Scripture, let us reflect on the account found in the book of Joshua. The Lord, as stated in the Scripture, has abandoned these nations, without driving them out, to test the Israelites and determine if they will adhere to His commandments and learn the ways of battle (See Judges 3:1; Hab. 23:12-13).
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If we were to draw an earthly parallel to exemplify God's unmatched mercy—not by suggesting any equality in essence, but rather by noting some similarity—we might consider a nurturing caregiver who diligently carries an infant, hoping to eventually teach the child to walk. Initially, she allows the baby to crawl before offering support, helping him gain the strength to stand. Occasionally, she lets go for a moment; if he starts to wobble, she catches him before he falls, lifting him back up gently, ensuring that he either does not fall at all or falls softly to be lifted again. Once the child reaches the stage of boyhood, becoming strong in youth or early adulthood, she introduces some responsibilities that, while not overwhelming, foster his growth and encourage him to engage with peers. How far beyond this is the understanding of our heavenly Father, who knows intimately whom to nurture with His grace and guide in the pursuit of virtue through the exercise of free will! He supports each in their efforts, responds when called upon, never abandons those who seek Him, and at times, even averts danger without their awareness.