Who is God Anyway?
How Michael Cochren Rediscovered the Character of God
In a candid interview with Family Life Radio, Michael Cochren of Cochren & Co opened up about a deeply personal aspect of his faith journey. Known for their soulful and uplifting music, Cochren & Co’s songs often reflect the struggles and triumphs of the Christian walk.
When asked about a time he felt far from God, Michael didn’t hesitate: “Early college, for sure.” He described this period as “Truly running from God, truly clinging to a lot of different things to try and make them my God.” Despite his efforts to fill the void with temporary fixes, this season in Michael’s life was marked by a deep sense of emptiness.
During this challenging time, Michael admitted to “Not wanting to open up the Word and read because I know what it’s going to tell me about the way I’m living.” He was aware that turning to God would expose the futility of his pursuits and force him to confront the emptiness he felt.
Turning Point
The turning point in Michael’s journey came when he finally recognized the hollowness of the things he had been chasing. “I feel like I’ve tasted what the world has to offer and it’s no good.” At his lowest, he decided to turn to God, not as an immediate solution but as a last resort. This decision marked the beginning of a complete transformation.
Michael’s journey back to God was gradual and not without its struggles. “Definitely not Damascus Road for me. It was more like I was the donkey for a while.”
Michael described this period as one of slowly undoing wrong ideas about God and learning to see Him as a loving and gracious Father.
“This is the character of God. This is the character of Christ. He’s not vindictive.”
Understanding God’s True Character
As Michael began to dive into Scripture and prayer, he had to dismantle various theological misconceptions:
- “Maybe I just couldn’t, you know, really be forgiven.
- Or maybe these things I’m walking through, these hardships now that I’ve given my life to Christ, maybe they’re punishment for past wrongs.”
Through studying God’s Word, he learned about God’s true character—His grace, kindness, and unconditional love.
Practical Takeaways for Christ Followers
Michael’s journey offers several key takeaways for fellow believers. First, it’s essential to acknowledge and confront personal struggles and misconceptions about God. Engaging with Scripture and prayer, even when it feels convicting, is crucial for spiritual growth. Finally, finding true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than worldly pursuits.
We hope Michael’s journey from feeling distant to experiencing a deep, abiding relationship with God encourages you, wherever you are on your journey. As you reflect on your own faith journey, remember that no matter how far you feel, God’s love and grace are always within reach.
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