Divine Providence is not fate. God does not control every moment of our lives. There are things that are in our power and our free-will only, or it is will of other people, or consequences of corrupted nature. Providence of God in our lives means that He provides for us all that is necessary for our salvation. Everything we have God gives us for the purpose of working out our salvation.

St. John Chrysostom says that we know very little about things and reasons, and our conclusions are often wrong, while God is able to suggest special path among many to salvation for every single person, with love and compassion.

Proverbs 28:7
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

Proverbs 28:8
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

"Fear God, not men; their threats are dust before eternity.”

+ St Barsanuphius of Optina

Proverbs 28:9
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

In the Orthodox Church fasting is one of the important means of spiritual life.
"Fasting is praiseworthy and necessary in its time and place: it is better to keep to a moderate use of good and drink, avoiding satiety, indicated by a slight heaviness, and on the other hand, avoiding excessive and inappropriate abstinence. Moderation, the middle path, makes a person more capable of spiritual activity."
--- Saint Ambrose of Optina

Proverbs 28:10
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

Proverbs 28:11
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.