I ran into this quote by Saint Theophan 
- There are thoughts, desires and passions that come in the form of ambushes and short-lived upsets,
- and there are constant ones that go on for days, months and years.
The first are easy, but should not be disdained. However, we must watch out not only for them but for their order.
The enemy has a law — not to begin suddenly with a passion but with a thought, and to repeat the thought often.
- Though the first one may have been thrown out by wrath,
- the second or third one may be received with greater condescension,
- and then a desire is born and a passion;
- from this point it is one step to agreement and action.
Continual thoughts are onerous and murderous. To them more than others belongs the name tempting
Concerning them it is necessary to know that they are not from nature — although they are similar to it in character — but are always from the enemy. The Lord allows them with the special intention of purifying us, in order to test and confirm our devotion, faith and constancy, and to more intelligently create our inner man.
Therefore we must cheerfully endure them, even if they are too grievous for a newly grace-filled heart. These are temptations such as blasphemy, despair, and unbelief. The main thing is to never incline towards them, never adopt them, and to keep the heart free from them, separating them from yourself and your freedom of thought and faith.
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