“And having called his twelve disciples together, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities.”

Every individual has a unique mission in life. It’s written into our genes; something we’re predisposed to do because of our special blend of talents and interests. It’s something that holds us in thrall, a powerful force that compels us to act in a certain way because, like nothing else in life, it fulfills us. Even when our efforts falter, there’s a sense of elation for having tried coupled with a firm resolve to do better the next time.

Our talent can only give us a small glimmer of what we are capable of doing. We also need the opportunity, the means and the courage to pursue our goals. Raw talent only becomes ability through dint of hard work, dedicated practice, trial and error. There is no success without failure. Those who overcome failure do so by fits and starts. They persist because they know the only true failure lies in failing to try.

Finding our mission in life can take years of  trial and error, especially if we have more than one strong suit. It’s not uncommon for college students to change majors, for executives to change careers and for people of faith to change ministries. They keep on keeping on until they find the one thing that truly energizes them.

Sometimes it takes a mentor to point us in the right direction - - the way Jesus did when He called the apostles to be fishers of men. The apostles were so enthralled with the possibility that they left everything behind that very day. But fulfilling their spiritual mission wasn’t easy. Their learning curve was steep. It took Jesus three years to train them and even then they still made plenty of mistakes.

The important point is that the apostles were open to new ideas. They were willing to experiment. Their belief was so strong that there came a day when they could cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and drive out demons - - just as Jesus had promised.

Is there some ministry that appeals to you? One that you hesitate to volunteer for because you're not quite sure you're up the job. At first, the apostles weren't up to their job, either. And look what they accomplished through the grace of God.

Professor Joseph Campbell, best known for his work in the field of comparative religions, put it this way: “Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.”