The First Battle

 Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---The First BattleAs followers of Christ, there are a lot of battles to fight. But for all of us, the first battle is within ourselves.We can't give what we don't have. We can't share a faith we don't practice. We can't lead others to holiness when we aren't striving for it ourselves. We can't bring others to truth if we aren't pursuing it. We can't bring others to God when we don't know Him.To positively impact the world around us, we have to start with ourselves. That's not selfish — it's just necessary.So what does that battle require? Time alone with God. Self-reflection. An honest look at our own weaknesses and tendencies. Silence. Solitude. Time to process everything we're constantly taking in. Solid ground to return to when the inner battles get hard. That is daily prayer.Let us pray. Lord, give us the discipline to fight the first battle — the one within us. Draw us to prayer, to silence, to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us. Get full access to The Victor's Crown at www.thevictorscrown.com/subscribe