Is Our Destiny Truly in Our Hands?

To say “Your Destiny lies in your hands” means recognizing that our choices and actions should align with God’s will, securing eternal rewards over fleeting earthly accomplishments.

By David Oletu (DCM)

This age-old question provokes deep reflection and demands critical examination.

However, our understanding of destiny often obscures the answer.

The way we define destiny significantly influences our perception of control over our lives.

Hence, In this article, I aim to reexamine and clarify the concept of destiny and explore whether our destiny truly lies in our hands.

One day, a young girl approached me with a question that left me momentarily speechless:

“Master David, is our destiny truly in our hands?”

Her innocence and curiosity caught me off guard, and I was taken aback by the depth of her inquiry.

As I struggled to provide a satisfactory answer, I realized that this seemingly simple question held profound implications.

Her question transported me back to my secondary school days when morning assemblies often featured motivational speeches emphasizing personal responsibility.

The familiar phrase still echoes in my mind: “Whatever you sow now, you will reap in the future.”

We were encouraged to believe that our destiny was firmly in our hands and that every choice and action would shape our future.

But life’s complexities soon challenged that simplistic notion.

Is Our Destiny Truly in Our Hands?

I recalled a brilliant friend, whose promising future was cut short by her untimely death at a young age.

With her exceptional gifts and achievements, she was poised to achieve greatness, becoming the youngest Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her field.

Her untimely death forced me to confront the harsh reality: how much control do we really have over our destiny?

She was an exceptional scholar, renowned for her dedication and academic excellence.

Her hard work paid off with a first-class degree and immediate employment at one of Nigeria’s largest international companies.

Beyond her intellectual prowess, she was a stunning young woman, inside and out.

Her jovial nature, radiant smile, and vibrant fashion sense made her a joy to behold.

But fate had other plans.

Just over a year after completing her NYSC and embarking on a promising career, her life was tragically cut short in a devastating auto accident.

She was the first person to evoke a profound grief in me.

For weeks, tears streamed down my face like a river, whenever I walked alone on the street or ministered in song as a music minister in a church.

Congregants assumed my tears were a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence, but in truth, it was the weight of her death.

The intensity of my sorrow mirrored the impact she had on those around her.

She worked tirelessly to shape her future, and her dedication paid off.

A devout Christian, she radiated love and kindness, captivating the hearts of those around her with her beautiful spirit and infectious smile.

(I must confess, she inspired me to smile more myself.) Yet, despite her faith, hard work, and joyful nature, tragedy struck.

Is Our Destiny Truly in Our Hands?

As I mentioned earlier, the complexity of whether our destiny lies in our hands stems from our understanding of destiny itself.

So, let’s examine the concept.

What is destiny?

Simply put, destiny refers to our destination—the ultimate outcome or direction of our life’s journey.

If you believe your destiny is solely within your control, considering only worldly possessions and achievements, your perspective is incomplete.

Earthly success is transient, and nothing here warrants pride.

Moreover, Scripture reminds us that our true identity and purpose transcend earthly accomplishments.

As 1 Corinthians 3:7 states, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

This verse explains that our efforts, though valuable, are ultimately fruitful only through God’s sovereign hand.

True fulfilment lies in God’s eternal rewards, reserved for those who believe in Him and do His will.

Survival on earth demands effort and labour from every human being.

Our hard work yields possessions and achievements, but these shouldn’t be mistaken for our destiny.

As Christians, our true purpose is beyond earthly accomplishments.

Scripture reminds us to fix our eyes on the eternal prize.

As Philippians 3:14 states, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Now, to believers and unbelievers alike, I pose this question: if your destiny is solely defined by material wealth and achievements, what is the ultimate purpose?

Is it not a fleeting pursuit that ends in emptiness?

This realization leads us to a profound truth: our destiny is not rooted in earthly successes but in Christ Jesus.

As Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages,

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Is Our Destiny Truly in Our Hands?

Our destiny is a heavenly race, and grasping this truth is key to a peaceful and fulfilled life.

Ephesians 1:11 KJV

[11] in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.1.11.KJV

To say “Your Destiny lies in your hands” means recognizing that our choices and actions should align with God’s will, securing eternal rewards over fleeting earthly accomplishments.

We must strive to win the eternal prize, not merely chase temporal recognition.

As 2 Timothy 4:7-8 reminds us, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”

In conclusion, is our destiny truly in our hands? Yes, it is.

But let’s be clear: our only true destiny is not earthly possessions or rewards, but eternal life and rewards.

Through faith in God and obedience to His will, we have the grace to fulfil this divine destiny.

Now, pause and reflect: Are you truly fulfilling your destiny with your work here on earth?

If your answer is based on luxury or achievements alone, it’s time for a deeper introspection.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Also Read: LIFE: What’s the Point? – Diademng (thediademng.org)

Is Our Destiny Truly in Our Hands?