THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE UNIVERSE

DISCOVERING STRENGTH IN FAITH

The ultimate goal of religion lies in connecting us with God, the source of all goodness. God serves as an inspiration for everyone, providing guidance and direction on our journey through life.

The most excellent struggle is for conquest of self.

Our world encompasses two distinct aspects: the visible and the invisible. The visible world can be likened to an iceberg, with only a tiny portion visible above the water’s surface while the majority remains submerged. Religion provides a way to glimpse this hidden part of the iceberg, enabling individuals to transcend the surface of life and venture into the depths of the ocean, metaphorically speaking, to the bed of the ocean.

Life presents us with numerous instances where we feel helpless, as if all the ends of life have slipped away from our grasp. In such moments, religion emerges as our saviour, offering us the courage and conviction to navigate through these challenges. It becomes a source of strength and resilience, helping us to overcome adversity.

This unwavering faith does not mean a life free of difficulties, but it transforms how one experiences them. While others may be overwhelmed by loss, fear, or uncertainty, a religious person interprets trials as part of a divine plan. Each challenge becomes a stepping stone toward spiritual growth, a lesson crafted by the Creator to deepen one’s understanding, humility, and trust. In this way, religion doesn’t merely offer emotional comfort—it provides a framework for interpreting suffering with meaning and dignity. Just as the roots of a tree grow deeper in the storm, so too does the soul of a believer grow stronger through life’s turbulence.

Religion serves as the foundation of positive ethics. It empowers individuals to forgive, transcending greed and envy. It fosters tolerance and respect for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. By upholding justice and fairness, religious individuals become givers rather than takers, contributing to a more harmonious society.

Religion instills in us a sense of principle and principled character. It cultivates self-control and self-discipline, making religious individuals predictable and reliable. They are serious-minded and honest, always ready to acknowledge their mistakes and strive for self-improvement. This self-corrective mechanism keeps their personalities rejuvenated and vibrant.

So, how does religion cultivate these superior qualities within us? The ultimate goal of religion lies in connecting us with God, the source of all goodness. God serves as an inspiration for everyone, providing guidance and direction on our journey through life.

Religion makes a person God-oriented, producing God-oriented thinking and a life that is God-oriented. This is what makes a religious person unconquerable. They develop communion with God, becoming far more powerful than even the sun, moon, mountains, and seas.

Here’s an incident that illustrates this in symbolic language. A person with complete faith in God becomes unconquerable. Even the tidal waves fail to disturb their peace.

Once, a ship sailed from the American coast to Africa. It was still on the way when it was hit by a severe storm in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship began to shake violently, and all the passengers panicked, running helter skelter. It seemed imminent that it would sink any moment.

In this hour of panic, one passenger caught sight of a child in a corner of the ship, playing with her doll. The passenger asked the child, “Do you know what’s going to happen?” The child, in all innocence, asked, “What’s the matter?” The passenger replied, “Our ship is hit by a storm and it’s going to sink.” The child continued to play with her doll and replied, “You know, my father is the captain of the ship. He’s not going to let it sink.”

This incident relating to the child gives us a picture of a truly religious person. They never fall prey to frustration, don’t get disturbed in times of crises, and never lose courage. They always live in hope. In every situation, they can say, “God Almighty is the captain of my ship. He’s not going to let it sink.”