Does believing in fate give us an excuse?

Maybe the belief that a moral foothold exists where there are none. Don't you still have to accept the responsibility. In mythology the Fates had some power even above the gods. But those were "Fates" and mythology. Wouldn't fate really just be the window opening when the door closes, the chance to make a decision you've always wanted to, or a second chance.
So it seems my "timing is always off " is in essence that my timing works in my favor. How would you know it was bad timing unless there is also the possibility of it being good timing.