Fate vs Free Will

There arn't many issues that have been more discussed by human beings than the idea of fate vs. free will. Do we, as people, really have the ability to think for ourselves, or are we completely controlled by some higher being? The belief that I hold is made up of a bit of both. I believe that God has a plan regarding the world and each person within it. He knows exactly where he wants our lives to go, and he will do what it takes to get us there. I believe, however, that God has given each one of us the option of going against his will. We have been given the option of trying to make our way through our lives.
I was brought up in a Christian home, and until I was eleven, I was a very strong Christian. At this point, I began to try to go through my life without God's help and direction. This lasted until I was seventeen. During that entire time, I was hit with massive bouts of depression. I made decision after decision that caused me to endanger myself and those around me. I hurt my friends, my family, and myself. Evenually, I felt that I could not go on anymore. I remembered what my childhood was like, and wondered what had happened to me. Quickly I realized that the difference beteen the way I had been and the way I was was God. I no longer asked for his help or guidence. I decided to try to follow him again. I am not by any means perfect, but I definutly feel far better than I did a few years ago.
Following God is the best way to get through life. If you have any questions about what I have said, feel free to IM me (my screen-name is in my profile) or email me at cristnogion@netscape.net. God wants to guide you to, and you will not regret letting him.