Trust in God

[ArmyMatt]

Does anyone have any references to what the Church Fathers have to say on the matter of how much time we have, etc.? I remember reading something recently, not sure if it was St. Theophan the Recluse or not but he eluded to the fact that God has given us an predetermined amount of time.

Michael

I heard somewhere that God takes the soul when either the soul has attained the virtue to be saved, or when the soul becomes so darkened that it is past the point of no return.

 

[E.C.]

My wife and I were talking about the gun control issues and what-not tonight and the subject of protecting my family if someone broke in came up. I said that I would do everything in my power to protect my family but I'm not going to take a life in doing it. Furthermore, I said that it doesn't really do us any use to even talk about hypothetical situations because we would be better in just trusting in God and His will for us. As she's explaining her fears, she's physically getting agitated... She's under the impression that you should have a plan for every possible scenario in life...

My wife and I do this all the time. We are completely in love, so don't think that I'm talking about her behind her back or anything

So, I guess my questions are:

As Orthodox Christians- Do we believe that God is in complete control of when we die? Should we completely trust Him in all aspects of our life? I know what my answers are, but I wanted to see how other Orthodox Christians feel.

Michael

God is in control all; it falls under the omnipotent category.

As for property protection if I had any I would protect it. I plan on purchasing a firearm when it is a much better time for me to do so. Does that necessarily mean I'm going to take a life to do so? No. But if breaking and entering turns into attempted homicide and attempted rape than that is a far different story. God willing I'll never be in such a situation.

 

[Dorothea]

I heard somewhere that God takes the soul when either the soul has attained the virtue to be saved, or when the soul becomes so darkened that it is past the point of no return.

My priest has said on a few occasions that God takes the soul when it is ready - ready for judgment - in its best shape, so to speak.

 

[ArmyMatt]

My priest has said on a few occasions that God takes the soul when it is ready - ready for judgment - in its best shape, so to speak.

good way of putting it.