“If the Lord extends one’s days, then He is bestowing benefactions; if He should cut short one’s days, then He bestows just the same. In general, according to the sayings of the holy Church, the Lord in the depths of His wisdom dost provide all things out of love for mankind, and grantest unto all that which is profitable. Therefore, there is nothing better or more profitable for mankind than devotion to God’s will, and the ways of God are unfathomable. “
(Elder St Ambrose of Optina,  excerpt from his letters)