Human Duty under and in Providence - Calvin's Institutes 7

John Calvin:

"As regards future events, Solomon easily reconciles human deliberation with divine providence. For while he derides the stupidity of those who presume to undertake anything without God, as if they were not ruled by his hand, he elsewhere thus expresses himself: 'A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps," (Prov. 16:9); intimating that the eternal decrees of God by no means prevent us from proceeding, under his will, to provide for ourselves, and arrange all our affairs. And the reason for this is clear. For he who has fixed the boundaries of our life, has at the same time intrusted us with the care of it, provided us with the means of preserving it, forewarned us of the dangers to which we are exposed, and supplied cautions and remedies, that we may not be overwhelmed unawares. Now, our duty is clear, namely, since the Lord has comitted to us the defence of our life,--to defend it; since he offers assistance,--to use it; since he forwarns us of danger--not to rush on heedless; since he supplies remedies,--not to neglect them..." Institutes of Christian Religion, Volume I, Chapter 17, 186-187.

Calvin's Calvinism is not without human responsiblity. When you get sick--take pills. When you get cancer--pray for healing. When you lose your job--find another one. When you sin--seek God for forgiveness. When you need to get something done--plan to do it and do whatever is necesarry beforehand. When you preach--call sinners to trust in Jesus. When you have to go to work in the morning--get out of bed.

The list goes on...there is no blind fate here; there is no dry stoicism; live with all your might while you live and trust God in whom you live and move and have your very being.