Destiny is not designed by mere mortals like us. It is crafted by

Hear the solemn and resounding words of Rodrigo Duterte, a leader shaped by struggle and destiny, who once declared: “Destiny is not designed by mere mortals like us. It is crafted by God.” In this statement, thunderous in its simplicity, lies a truth as old as the mountains and as deep as the seas—that the thread of fate is not woven by human hands, but by the eternal wisdom of the Divine. It is a confession of humility before the infinite, a recognition that no man, however powerful, can truly command the tides of existence. Duterte’s words remind us that the rise and fall of lives, of nations, of history itself, move under the unseen hand of God’s providence, not the ambition of men.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Duterte’s reflections on his unlikely journey from a provincial lawyer to the presidency of the Philippines. He often spoke of his disbelief at the path his life had taken, attributing his position not to personal mastery but to divine will. He, who had not sought greatness in the beginning, came to see that destiny had chosen him for a role beyond his own design. In speaking these words, he joined a long lineage of rulers, saints, and thinkers who, in moments of awe, acknowledged that the architect of fate is God, and man is but a steward of His unfolding plan.

To say that “destiny is not designed by mere mortals” is to accept the limits of human understanding. Mortals plan, they dream, they labor—but even the mightiest plans bend before the winds of divine purpose. A person may chart a course across the sea, but the storms and stars that guide him belong not to him. The wise understand that control is an illusion, and that peace comes not from mastering destiny, but from surrendering to its higher order. For God crafts destiny as a master weaver crafts a tapestry—each thread placed with intention, even if the pattern is seen only from eternity’s vantage.

Consider the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. In the pit of despair, it must have seemed that his destiny had been shattered. Yet through betrayal, imprisonment, and hardship, a greater design was at work. In time, Joseph rose to power in Egypt and saved his family from famine. What seemed like misfortune was, in truth, the hidden crafting of divine will. Such is the nature of destiny: men perceive fragments of chaos, while God beholds the full pattern of grace. Duterte’s words echo this truth—that the road of life, though uncertain and often painful, is never without purpose in the eyes of Heaven.

These words also serve as a rebuke to human arrogance. Too often, men imagine that their power, wealth, or intellect entitles them to control the course of destiny. But history is filled with empires that thought themselves immortal—Rome, Babylon, Napoleon’s France—each brought low when pride exceeded providence. For destiny, being divine, bows to no mortal command. Even the greatest are instruments in the vast symphony of God’s creation. To understand this is not to embrace weakness, but to find strength in surrender—to act with courage, knowing that the outcome rests in hands far wiser than our own.

And yet, this truth is not meant to make us idle. For though God crafts destiny, He calls man to walk within it. We are not puppets, but participants in His grand design. Our task is to labor faithfully, to act justly, and to trust deeply. When one’s efforts align with divine will, even the impossible becomes possible. Destiny is not a chain that binds us—it is a path that unfolds beneath our steps, one paved by the wisdom of God and revealed through perseverance. Those who trust in His crafting walk without fear, for they know that even detours lead to divine destinations.

Therefore, let this teaching be engraved upon the heart: live with purpose, but surrender with faith. Make plans, but hold them lightly, for the final design belongs to God. When adversity strikes and your path grows dark, remember that the divine craftsman is still at work, shaping your trials into triumphs. The storms that humble you today may carry you to the shores of tomorrow’s blessing.

And so, O seeker of truth, remember the wisdom of Rodrigo Duterte’s words: Destiny is not the work of man, but the art of God. Do not despair when your plans fail or when life bends away from your design. Instead, lift your eyes to heaven, and trust that the Creator who shaped the stars also shapes your steps. Walk with courage, serve with humility, and live in faith—for though you cannot write your destiny, you can walk it well. And in walking it well, you will discover that the Author of fate never miswrites a single line.