To believe in “fate” or “destiny” means to assume that God causes suffering for everyone.
In Job 1:21, Job states that God gives and God takes away. However, when looking at what was really happening in that book, the one who caused so much pain and suffering was Satan.
The reason that Satan did this was twofold.
- He claimed that Job’s allegiance and faith were all tied to having a “protective hedge” around him. He was wealthy, had excellent health and had ten children. He had the respect of many as well. Satan suggested that if Job suffered losses that he would curse God. Satan was allowed to strike at Job’s belongings and family, but not to touch him.
- When Job failed to curse God, Satan inflicted painful boils from head to toe. So now, not only was Job suffering from the loss of his flocks, servants and all of his children… now he was suffering a painfully debilitating but not deadly ailment. Satan’s charge was that should Job’s body be stricken that he would curse God. Satan was allowed to strike Job’s body, but not allowed to kill him.
In the end, Job had his health and wealth restored. He had twice as many animals, lived another 140 years and had ten more children.
The idea of “Predestination,” the very idea that God, who is love (1 John 4:8) would inflict such cruelty… is abhorrent.
What really happens is penned by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:11. Time happens, along with unexpected events.
~J. Lyst
Hey, Miss J! 
Your Thoughts?