Ochae. Diagnostic | The Kure To Christ

Ochaé

Diagnostic

CROSSING THE BRIDGE

DISCOVERY MOMENT: WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT OR "EUREKA MOMENT"

THAT LED YOU TO CHRIST?

To be completely honest, the process of giving my life to Christ was gradual. However, if I had to point to a defining moment, it would be when I had an 'out-of-body' experience during a moment of sin, which transformed my mind shortly afterward.

LAB RESULTS: HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE ACCEPTING CHRIST? WHAT "RESULTS" HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED IN YOUR LIFE OR SPIRIT?

After giving my life to Christ, I’ve seen the Fruits of the Spirit manifest throughout my life. I’m more loving, slower to anger, and I’ve gained much greater awareness of my sin. Most notably, I transitioned from making secular music to making Christian music. This shift not only allowed me to be fully authentic in expressing myself, but it also enabled me to reach millions of people by using my gift to promote the kingdom of God.

EXPERIMENTING WITH FAITH: WERE THERE ANY STEPS OR TRIALS YOU TOOK IN YOUR FAITH JOURNEY THAT BROUGHT YOU CLOSER TO CHRIST?

To be completely honest, I’ve lost a lot of friends along the way. There haven’t necessarily been any issues, but my lifestyle change was so drastic that I genuinely couldn’t stay in the same spaces I was in before. This led me to find a new community of Christ-followers who have encouraged me to grow closer to Christ. I’ve also dealt with loneliness and a lack of vulnerability for most of my life, but I quickly learned that I can always lean on God and those around me for encouragement and restoration. It’s still an ongoing process, but I feel the Lord moving mightily in this area of my life.

TEST TUBE OF HOPE: IN WHAT WAYS HAS CHRIST PROVIDED YOU WITH HOPE OR PEACE DURING CHALLENGING TIMES?

It’s difficult to point to one specific instance because I feel like my mind was completely transformed into a state of peace. The moment I received the Holy Spirit, I immediately felt God's presence telling me, 'It will be okay,' at all times. There have been many instances of spiritual warfare or bad dreams that would have caused me stress or panic in the past. However, now that I’m walking with the Lord, I not only have a strong foundation spiritually but also emotionally and mentally.

HEALING PROCESS: WHAT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OR "SYMPTOMS" DID CHRIST HELP CURE OR HEAL IN YOUR LIFE?

Before I gave my life to Christ, I was smoking, drinking, engaging in sexual activities, and more. I also struggled with anger issues, pride, and unforgiveness that were deeply rooted in my heart. I often found myself chasing satisfaction in things like my music, career, women, or making money. However, after all these things still left me feeling empty, I realized the only thing that would give me everlasting life was Jesus Christ.

CATALYST FOR CHANGE: WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST?

Fun fact... I’m a pastor’s child. I grew up with the Word of God deeply rooted in my heart. However, as I got older, I strayed away, thinking the world could give me what I needed. In my senior year of college, I started noticing that some of my close friends weren’t coming out to parties with me anymore, weren’t talking to girls the same way, or weren’t smoking with me. At first, I didn’t think much of it, until one day my friend told me she had given her life to Christ. When she said that, it literally shocked my system. Two weeks later, another friend told me the same thing. Those conversations planted the seeds that would ultimately lead to my full and complete surrender to Jesus Christ.

ONGOING RESEARCH: HOW ARE YOU CONTINUING TO GROW IN YOUR FAITH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST?

Community. From a young age, I didn’t really have many people in my corner who understood my struggles or who I was. So, when I got saved, I found myself battling self-isolation, convincing myself that I didn’t need anybody. However, having brothers and sisters in Christ who continuously push you forward can change the entire trajectory of your walk. It feels like I now have people to be vulnerable with and share my burdens, as well as the opportunity to be a helping hand when someone else needs the same thing.

WHAT SCRIPTURE OR MESSAGE HAS BEEN A GUIDING "FORMULA" FOR YOU IN DIFFICULT TIMES?

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:12-16 (CSB)