In everything that we do God searches out our purpose to see whether we do it from Him or for some other motive. When you hear the words of Scripture, "Thou shalt render to every man according to his work," do not think that God bestows blessings when something is done for the wrong purpose, even though it seems to be good. Quite clearly He bestows blessings only when something is done for right purpose. For God's judgment looks not at the actions but at the purpose behind them. (Maximos the Confessor)

In creating the universe I perceive God applies an architecture. When we make choices consistent with that architecture the outcomes are more likely to be as anticipated.

Quite clearly this architecture includes considerable randomness. Outcomes can be unpredictable, even when we attempt to calibrate our choices to the architecture.

But in shaping our intention to God's intention, matching our purpose to God's purpose, and working to extend the weave that God has begun we are more likely to achieve fulfillment.