Blurred Lines Between God and Fortune

"The Monk's Tale" tells of various mythological or historical figures who fell out of fortune. These characters serve to further the Monk's point and the theme of the tale, which is found in the first stanza:

For certain, whan that Fortune list to flee,

There may no man the cours of hire withholde.

Lat no man truste on blind prosperitee!

Be war by thise ensamples trewe and olde. (1995-1998)

Through the story of Nero this theme is made especially clear. Nero had total control in his position as a ruler and exerted his power in terrible, nightmarish ways until "Fortune liste no longer / The hye pride of Nero to cherice, / For though that he was strong, yet was she stronger" (2519-2521). Another clear illustration of this theme is in the story told about Balthasar who was a proud man and the son of Nabugodonosor. He is sinful in idolizing gold statues and forces others to commit idolatry as well. Eventually, "Fortune caste him doun, and ther he lay, / And sodeinly his regne gan divide" (2189-2190). The consequences for falling out of Fortune's favor are severe.
However, it is not only Fortune at play in these stories, but God also has great influence. In the story of Sampson it is God's favor he relies on, not Fortune's. He prays to God for a drink and God answers his prayer. Appeals to God and God's influence are mentioned in a number of tales, including "Nabugodonosor," "Balthasar," and "Sampson." It seems Fortune and God play parts in these stories, but do not necessarily work together.  What do you think?