Practice in the Path of Verity
The path is the same, but practices and endeavors shorten it. As an example, the path from here to the Holy Mecca has always been the same. A long time ago, people traveled this path on camels and horses and mules in months, then automobiles and ships shortened the path. Now, Jets have immensely shortened this path. The destinations have all remained the same, but the journey is faster, shorter, more comfortable, and more convenient.
The practices and endeavors in life have the same effect: to ease the path destined before us in life. Plus, to the extent of agreement with destiny, such practices ease and improve the journey itself. The more practice (which is dependent on the fate and destiny and physical mechanisms of that individual), the better the improvement.
These practices are, in fact, the endeavors of our lives.
Whenever the destiny of humankind points towards health and easement, the practices and endeavors make traversing this path shorter. On the contrary, those whose destiny is to traverse another path; their endeavors will be more laborious in reaching enlightenment. “To each [category] we extend - to these and those - from the gift of your Lord. And never has the gift of your Lord been restricted.” (Al-Isra, Verse 20).