Author: Liza Francisco

Finding Purpose Through Daily Connection with God

Finding Purpose Through Daily Connection with God

Have you ever felt like something’s missing in your life? Like you’re going through the motions, but deep inside, your soul is hungry for something more?

That longing is no accident. It’s your heart calling out for God—for a deeper connection, for real meaning, for peace that doesn’t fade when the noise of life gets loud. That’s what spiritual growth is all about. Not a list of religious tasks, not a race to perfection—but a daily, personal journey of becoming more like Jesus and drawing closer to the One who created you.

It All Starts with a Relationship

Spiritual growth doesn’t begin in a religious setting or a study group. It starts with a relationship—a real one.

Jesus said in John 3:3 (KJV), “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

That means there’s a starting point: surrender. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, confess our sins, and invite Him into our hearts, something beautiful happens—we’re spiritually born. But just like a newborn baby isn’t meant to stay in diapers forever, we’re not meant to stay where we are, either.

God wants you to grow. Not just in knowledge, but in character, in faith, in love, and in purpose.

Spiritual Growth Takes Time—And That’s Okay

We live in a world of quick results—fast food, one-click purchases, instant gratification. But God doesn’t work like that. He’s not rushing your growth. He’s more like a gardener—planting, watering, pruning, and patiently tending to your heart.

In John 15:5 (KJV), Jesus said:
“I am the vine, ye are the branches… without me ye can do nothing.”

If we want to grow, we have to stay connected to Jesus—every single day. Not just during special events or gatherings, but in the quiet mornings, the stressful afternoons, and the lonely nights. That daily connection is where transformation happens.

Spending Time with God Daily

So how do we grow closer to God?

The same way you grow closer to a friend—you spend time together.

1. Read the Bible (Even Just a Little at a Time)

You don’t have to be a scholar to read the Bible. Start with a Psalm or a Gospel. Let God’s Word speak to you. Some days it might be one verse that stands out. That’s okay. One verse from God is more powerful than a hundred pages of anything else.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

2. Talk to God Like You Would a Friend

Prayer isn’t about fancy words. It’s about being real. Thank Him. Ask for help. Confess when you fall short. Tell Him what’s on your heart—He already knows, and He cares more than you can imagine.

3. Worship and Obey

Worship isn’t just about music—it’s about how we live. When we obey His Word, even when it’s hard, we grow. Every act of obedience is a step closer to Him.

Growing Through the Tough Stuff

Here’s a truth most people don’t like to hear—but it’s real: we often grow the most during the hard times.

James 1:2-4 (KJV) says:
“Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

No one enjoys trials—but they’re part of our journey. God doesn’t waste pain. He uses it to refine us, strengthen us, and draw us nearer. The very things you wish would go away might be the tools He’s using to shape your heart.

So when life feels heavy, don’t run from God—run to Him. He’s not distant in your struggle. He’s closer than you think.

The Fruit of a Growing Heart

How can you tell if you’re really growing?

You might notice you’re more patient than you used to be. Maybe you’re gentler with others. Maybe your faith is stronger in the storm. Those small changes are big signs that God is at work in you.

Look for fruit. Not apples or oranges—but spiritual fruit, the kind Paul talks about in Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”

And guess what? Others will notice too. A growing believer shines—even in dark places.

Keep Going—One Step at a Time

Spiritual growth isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being persistent. It’s showing up even when you don’t feel it. It’s choosing to trust when nothing makes sense. It’s falling, and getting back up again.

And here’s the best part—you’re not doing it alone.

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) says:
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

God started something beautiful in you, and He’s not giving up. So don’t give up on Him either.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Relationship, Not a Race

Spiritual growth isn’t about comparing yourself to others. It’s not about checking off boxes. It’s about growing closer to God—every single day.

Some days you’ll feel strong. Some days you’ll feel weak. Some days you’ll sense His presence. Other days you might feel dry. But He is always there. Always working. Always loving you.

So keep going. Keep showing up. Keep leaning in.

You’re on a journey of daily transformation. And God walks with you every step of the way.

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Finding Hope in the Darkness: A Spiritual Battle Guide

Finding Hope in the Darkness: A Spiritual Battle Guide

Hope in the Darkness: A Reflection on Spiritual Warfare

There are seasons in life when everything feels like it’s unraveling. The weight of anxiety, grief, discouragement, and confusion presses so heavily that even getting out of bed can feel like a battle. In those moments, we cry out, “Where is God?”

We may not realize it, but what we’re experiencing is more than just emotional or mental distress—it’s often the front lines of a spiritual battle.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12

This verse pulls back the veil. It reveals a reality that’s easy to overlook: our lives are part of a greater, invisible war between light and darkness. But even in the deepest valleys, there’s a hope that never fades—not just a vague optimism, but a living, breathing hope anchored in the power and presence of God.

1. Understanding the Nature of the Battle

Spiritual warfare isn’t just for theologians or missionaries—it’s for every believer. The moment you gave your life to Jesus, you entered a battlefield. And here’s the hard truth: the enemy doesn’t attack those who aren’t a threat. If you’re feeling the heat, it may be because you carry a purpose that terrifies hell.

The enemy’s mission is clear:

“To steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10)

He targets your identity, distorts your view of God, and whispers lies that feed fear, shame, and despair. His tactics are subtle—discouragement, spiritual fatigue, toxic thoughts, and strained relationships.

But there’s power in recognition. Once we realize the battle is spiritual, we stop blaming people or circumstances and start standing in spiritual authority.

2. You Are Not Alone in the Darkness

One of Satan’s most effective lies is isolation. He wants you to believe you’re the only one going through it—that you’ve been abandoned. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Consider these biblical examples:

  • David cried, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1)
  • Elijah, overwhelmed and burned out, asked God to end his life (1 Kings 19).
  • Even Jesus felt crushing sorrow before the cross (Matthew 26:38).

They all faced dark nights of the soul. And God did not abandon them—and He won’t abandon you.

Faith doesn’t deny the pain. It clings to God through it. Hope whispers, “Even here, He is with me.”

3. Equipped for the Battle: The Armor of God

God doesn’t send us into battle unarmed. In Ephesians 6:13–17, Paul lays out the spiritual armor available to every believer:

  • Belt of Truth – Ground yourself in the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness – You are covered by Jesus’ righteousness. Grace still holds you when you stumble.
  • Shoes of Peace – Let His peace steady your steps, even in chaos.
  • Shield of Faith – Protects against doubt, fear, and spiritual attacks.
  • Helmet of Salvation – Secures your mind with the truth of your identity and eternity.
  • Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) – Your only offensive weapon. Use it boldly, like Jesus did when tempted.

This armor isn’t just metaphorical. It becomes real as we draw near to Christ and walk daily with Him.

4. Prayer and Praise: Your Greatest Weapons

Too often, prayer is our last resort. But in the kingdom of God, prayer is the first line of defense. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.”

Prayer changes things. It brings clarity, authority, and breakthrough. When you pray, you invite heaven to move on your behalf.

And don’t underestimate praise. In 2 Chronicles 20, when Judah faced an army, Jehoshaphat put worshippers on the front line. As they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever,” God confused their enemies and gave them victory.

Praise doesn’t deny the battle. It declares who wins.

Praise when you feel like giving up. Worship when your heart is breaking. There is power in your praise.

5. Light Always Wins

Here’s the truth the enemy hates: he cannot overcome the Light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5

Jesus doesn’t just bring light—He is the Light. And when He steps into your situation, darkness has no choice but to flee.

No matter how dark it feels now, this is not the end of your story. Your breakthrough could be one prayer, one worship song, one act of faith away.

6. Holding On to Hope When You Feel Like Letting Go

Let’s be real: sometimes hope feels like a hollow word. When you’re numb, exhausted, and overwhelmed, hope seems far away.

But hope doesn’t mean denying reality. It means believing in a greater one.

It’s holding on to the promise that:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

When you’re too tired to fight, whisper His name. When you can’t see the way forward, just take the next faithful step. The Spirit of God within you is stronger than what’s coming against you.

Hope is not passive. It’s a bold, defiant declaration that God is not done yet.

Reflect and Respond

Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:

  • Where in your life do you sense spiritual resistance or warfare?
  • What lies has the enemy been whispering—and what truths from God’s Word can replace them?
  • Which part of the Armor of God do you need to put on today?
  • Are you isolating in silence or reaching out for help?
  • What does it mean for you to choose hope today?

A Prayer for Hope in the Battle

Father, I come before You weary and sometimes overwhelmed, but not without hope. I thank You that even in the darkest places, Your light is never far. Teach me to recognize the battles I face and to stand in the strength of Your Spirit. Help me to wear the armor You’ve given me—not in fear, but in confidence. Remind me that I am not alone. Fill me with Your truth, clothe me in Your righteousness, and steady me with Your peace. When I can’t find the words, let praise rise up in my soul. I declare that You are greater than every enemy I face. My hope is in You, Jesus—the Light that the darkness cannot overcome. In Your mighty name, Amen.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
— Psalm 30:5

You may be in a battle now, but take heart—it’s not your final chapter. The war has already been won. Stand firm. Suit up. Pray boldly. Praise fiercely. And never forget: even in the deepest darkness, you are never without hope.

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To Be Continued…