That is a question that definitely has various opinions. It can include elements that affect it such as fate, chance, or will. Some may argue that God in His Sovereignty has complete control over this world and directs one on the path He has for him. Others may argue the opposite that it is through chance that life unfolds. I am not sure either way. God is way too big for me to know what He is doing. What throws a wrench in the gears of it for me is this funny little thing called "will". As people we can choose whether or not to eat this or that, work here or there, or love this person or that person. We can say yes or no to any request. 

This brings the question to my mind, "Is life what we make it?" 

I don't believe there is a simple answer to this question. After all, this life is not a singular element but one affected and altered by the interaction of others. For instance, (I mean no offense by this example) a person that is raped or molested, whether adult or child, makes the decision not to but is forced by another against his or her own will. This is not what that person wanted out of life. Also, this could not have been the will of God. No, some things are out of our hands and in the hands of others. Oppositely, the couple that chooses to have sex before marriage and ends up having a child together is responsible for their own actions. These two made the decision to perform an action, knowing the possible outcome, and must deal with what they have made out of their own life. 

We all face decisions in our lives that we wish we could go back and change. We all, at some point, make the statement to the effect of, "If I could just go back and do it over again." Sadly, we can not do this. We are stuck with the decisions we have made in the past. The only thing we can do is start where we are and move forward. If we have made mistakes then we deal with them, seek forgiveness where necessary or forgive where necessary, and move forward. Even though it may take time and may still hurt we can't let life pass us by. 

Whether or not you are where you are because of God's hands, your own hands, or by chance make the best of what you have and where you are. Live today with tomorrow in view, laugh at life when it slips up, and love those around you. I know it sounds cliche' but life moves to fast to to let it leave you. Make the best of where you are and if it is not where you want then try to get there.