originally published on "shifting through times" on 20 april 2009
so what is the difference between "fate" and "God's plan"?
dictionary.com defines "fate" as:
1) the supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events,
2) the inevitable events predestined by this force,
3) a final result or consequence; an outcome and
4) unfavorable destiny; doom.
most definitions of "fate" inevitably contains this element of assumption - "supposed force", "presumably", "element of chance" etc. this also means that people who believe in "fate" are saying that their lives are already "predetermined" and "predestined" by this unknown element of chance and assumption. which, also means that we do not have a free will because we can run and we can hide or we can stand still but the same things will still happen because ultimately, everything is "fated" for us.
but that is not true is it? because life is not like that. life is not all "fated". it is just like if you just lost your job but within a few weeks of searching you landed a new job, that is not "fate". "fate" predetermines that the "new job" will happen to you regardless of situation or of circumstance. but if you lost your old job and just sat at home waiting for "fate" to happen, the only thing inevitable is that nothing will happen. so then, how can "fate" (the new job in this case) be predetermined and be inevitable?
therein lies the key difference between "fate" and "God's plan". you may say, but God's plan also predetermines the people you will meet and the things you will do. not so, God's plan always involves choices and a free will. that is, nothing is predetermined unless you make the choice to do it. you retain the right to live your life, even if it means you choose to walk away from God. for example, God may choose to use you to help someone in need, but you can choose not to do so, you are free to make that choice.
one story i always repeat to my friends is that of a person who is stuck in a flood. God can send a log, a boat or even a helicopter his way. but if he does not choose to use any of these, it is inevitable that he will drown. so is it God's plan that this person should drown? no. but it is because he withheld his own free will in those moments that he (pardon the pun) met his "fate".
i know that there will still be skeptics but just remember that "fate" cannot happen if there are choices to be made - simply because there is a different outcome between "choice 1", "choice 2", "choice 3" and doing nothing. and when life is all about choices, ultimately, the only "fate" is the one you (not God, not your parents, not your friends but you) choose for yourself!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Right Time, All The Time
As I come to another crossroads in my career and in my walk of faith, the question inevitably is "What does God want me to do for Him?". Recently, I have a calling, one telling me to walk away from my job - a job which Jana and I believed whole-heartedly that was blessed by God Himself. This has been a sense of confusion to me for the past weeks and I have not had the right questions to ask nor the answers to clarify my mind.
However, over the weeks, my state of denial has eased somewhat even though there are still no clear answers or direction. Rather, I am assured by three things:
1) God has only the best intentions for me - He knows my heart's desires.
2) God WILL reveal His plan to me at His own time (not mine).
3) God is ALWAYS on time.
All these time, I have been wondering what logical reason is there to quit, when is the right time to quit and what will I fall back upon if I quit. But something Jana mention today made sense. I should not be worrying about when I quit or if I should quit - if God has planned for me to be somewhere else, He will make somewhere else available no matter when or why I quit.
I am reminded of the time at EMC when I was at such a low point, which came after the disappointment of React. I had been searching for a job for months to no avail. Though I was already a Christian then, I had not known the true meaning of faith. It came to a point when I just gave up, tendered my resignation without a job. Throughout my notice period, there was not a glimmer of a single interview. But on my very last day at EMC, I received a call not for an interview but...a concrete job offer from Manpower.
Looking back at that now, I am assured. The paths may be unclear now, but He will straighten them. I know that whatever happens, God is with me and He WILL be on time.
However, over the weeks, my state of denial has eased somewhat even though there are still no clear answers or direction. Rather, I am assured by three things:
1) God has only the best intentions for me - He knows my heart's desires.
2) God WILL reveal His plan to me at His own time (not mine).
3) God is ALWAYS on time.
All these time, I have been wondering what logical reason is there to quit, when is the right time to quit and what will I fall back upon if I quit. But something Jana mention today made sense. I should not be worrying about when I quit or if I should quit - if God has planned for me to be somewhere else, He will make somewhere else available no matter when or why I quit.
I am reminded of the time at EMC when I was at such a low point, which came after the disappointment of React. I had been searching for a job for months to no avail. Though I was already a Christian then, I had not known the true meaning of faith. It came to a point when I just gave up, tendered my resignation without a job. Throughout my notice period, there was not a glimmer of a single interview. But on my very last day at EMC, I received a call not for an interview but...a concrete job offer from Manpower.
Looking back at that now, I am assured. The paths may be unclear now, but He will straighten them. I know that whatever happens, God is with me and He WILL be on time.
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