Several years ago, I was privileged to meet Michael Belk, renowned photographer and founder of Journeys with the Messiah. His unique photographs depicting Jesus in first-century settings, accompanied by twenty-first-century props and characters, captivated my interest. He told me about his journey that began as a high-fashion photographer, traveling the world for clients such as J. Crew, Nautica, and Christian Dior. Despite having all that the world offered—prominence, prestige, and prosperity—he found himself empty at the height of his career, physically and mentally exhausted.

Unable to fill his empty soul through his own efforts, he had an encounter with God that stirred an internal curiosity, setting him on a spiritual journey to explore the significance of the life and message of Jesus Christ. His search led to a God-given dream to create a collection of photographic images depicting Christ’s message.

Approaching sixty, Michael asked his wife Cheryl, “What if I die and have not created this project? How will I explain it to God?” With a leap of faith, he put his career on hold, and following the lead of the Holy Spirit, Journeys with the Messiah was born. For Michael, success is no longer measured by worldly accomplishments that can’t satisfy the soul but by the lives drawn to Christ through the inspiring pictures and stories conveyed through Journeys.

At sixty years old, I had been a pastor, worship leader, conference speaker, and counselor and earned a doctorate in ministry. Life was comfortable, but there was a sense in my spirit that God had more in store. I recalled my conversation with Michael and how God transformed his gift from fashion photography into a creative channel for drawing people to Christ. I shared the stirring in my heart with Jasmine, and together, God directed us to channel our ministry experiences into establishing Shepherds Wellspring Ministries (SWM).

When we follow Paul’s instructions to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), God might ignite a flame in the heart and take us down a path we didn’t initially envision. As a high-fashion photographer, Michael didn’t envision Journeys, but God inspired him at sixty. When I answered God’s call in my twenties to be a pastor, I didn’t envision SWM, but God inspired me at sixty.

Years ago, a friend possessing spiritual gifts of discernment and wisdom had a passion for Christian counseling, but she didn’t have a college degree. Being in her late thirties, she felt she was too old to start, and it would take her too long. We discussed her situation, and it went something like this:

“How long will it take you to get a bachelor’s degree?”
“I can only go to college part-time, so it will probably take me more than five years.”
“How old will you be in five years or so if you don’t pursue a degree?”
“I’ll be in my mid-forties.”
“How old will you be in five years or so if you do pursue a degree?”
“I’ll be in my mid-forties.”
“So, in that time frame, you’ll be in your mid-forties, either with or without a degree, right?”

She went for it, earned her bachelor’s degree, and is completing her master’s. Soon, Sherilyn will fulfill the passion God put in her heart, and He will use her to transform lives for Christ as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Hallelujah!

No matter what stage in life you’re in, God has a plan with a purpose. Do you know what it is? Are you pursuing His journey for you, or are you on your own? Are you allowing circumstances such as age, money, career, or a lack of confidence to prevent you from pursuing it, or are you going for it?

God changed my path at sixty. He changed it again at 65. I’ll tell you about that the next time we get to visit.

Stop and Consider.

To learn more about the picture and Journeys with the Messiah, click on the image or click here:  https://journeyswiththemessiah.com/quandary/