Fate is a word that is often misrepresented. The Webster explanation of fate refers to the development of events beyond a person’s control determined by a supernatural power. In the Greek and Roman mythology, it’s said that three goddesses presided over the birth and life of humans. Each person’s destiny was thought of as a thread spun, measured, and cut by the three Fates, Clotho, Lahesis, and Atropos.
Even though the literal definition implies God not having control, it’s relatively common for Christians to use the word fate in association with life events or irregular occurrences.
One of the most referenced scriptures, in relation to fate, is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. This verse, along with many others, remind Christians that God knows the plans He has for us; however, we actually do have some control over our own direction. God is always clear. We have the choice to love and follow Him – or not. Ultimately, this is why we have the Bible to reinforce Godly decisions and provide us with guidance towards an obedient path.
James 4:2 says, “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” Throughout the Bible, there are verses upon verses that ask God’s people to communicate and pray for what they need. God will provide what you need. No, this doesn’t mean he’ll provide the winning lottery numbers in a dream or that he will make attaining your prayer easily. Sometimes it will be easier than you thought and sometimes you will make mistakes which alters the course’s plan. None of this is an act of fate, this is God’s plan because he is in charge. God is not a dictator so, yes, he is a believer of free will.
God is great and in certain cases, he will step in to influence the course of an individual’s events. He is a God of forgiveness and he understands the obstacles and temptations that human beings face on a daily basis – which is why his influence acts as reinforcement for the values and ethics of Christianity. Deuteronomy states, “Now choose life that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” He will never force you to do what you do not want to do. Joshua 24:15 supports by saying, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites.”
And then again in Luke 9:24, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
It is evident that the Bible does not support a theory of fate. While we cannot use a single passage to prove a general standing, it is obvious the nonexistence of fate is written throughout the Bible.
What is incredibly interesting and somewhat baffling to comprehend, is the fact that people could believe in a supernatural power such as fate but not believe that God has the power to create a destined path. Our God is great, and He has provided an infinite amount of possibilities for His people.
We are all sinners and we all walk through tough seasons that seem impossible. More often than not, we see the negativity as a dark cloud looming over the potential of happiness. Therefore, when something positive happens, it’s easy to believe that fate stepped in because we are bewildered on a regular basis by God’s predetermined plans. We’ll ask ourselves and question others – how could God allow this to happen? But we’re usually missing the big picture and overlooking the lesson He is trying to teach us. A lesson that we can only learn when we overcome a challenging situation and persevere through the unthinkable. As a cliché as it sounds, these occurrences make us stronger.
We sin because we choose to. We succeed because we choose to. We continue because we choose to. We stop because we choose to. As children of God, we are given the ability to make our own choices – not fate.
Nonetheless, fate is an excuse. Once a person prioritizes their life accordingly and puts God first they’ll stop crediting and blaming fate for the events that take place. The majority of people who choose to sin are annoyed by the negative consequences of their sin. Just like an individual chooses sin, they have the same opportunity to choose faith. The Bible teaches us that we choose to have faith – again implying we have freewill.
Now let’s answer the question – with a concrete answer. What does the Bible say about fate? It says that it’s not a thing. God determines our destiny and provides us with the ability to make choices – whether they are good or bad. Fate is an excuse and provides individuals with an escape from the reality we all live. Everything is under God’s control. Everything that happens in the world is made to work out according to God’s purpose and reasoning. Even though it may not make sense in the beginning, if we step back and assess the situation there is a lesson we can grow from.
