Come Out of Battle Fatigue

I was exasperated. I made it through my first three weeks of a new job I prayed for, waited for over a year for, switched careers, and received additional education. I was ecstatic, but my body was in overdrive. For a few days, I noticed the acceleration of my heartbeat, dizziness when rushing in the morning, and shortness of breath when doing what I perceived as a simple task. The warning signs were evident. I needed to rest. Yet, I kept saying, “One more day,” or next weekend for sure.” On the last day before winter break, less than an hour before I left work, a sudden wave of exhaustion overwhelmed me. I barely made it home, and when I did, all I could do was lie down. I was on bed rest for a week, with my blood pressure being monitored morning and evening. Though I sought some medical attention and thought I knew what was wrong, the truth was I was experiencing combat stress, also known as battle fatigue, and I had not intervened early enough to prevent the stress from weakening my body. 

You see, In 2024, I moved cities and homes, switched jobs three times, and changed careers. There were three deaths in my family, and losing my grandfather to cancer in October was the most challenging. I experienced an increase in change, the highest I have ever experienced in the last four years of transition. I was holding on spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally, and once I nearly made it to the finish line, I collapsed. The surge of loss and spiritual warfare was excessive.

Of course, I paid attention not only to the natural signs but also to the spiritual signs. I sought the Lord, and he began to tell me that many of his people were experiencing battle fatigue, “a common response to the mental and emotional strain that can result from dangerous and traumatic experiences. It is a natural reaction to the wear and tear of the body and mind after extended and demanding operations” (military one source). “In World War II, the shell shock “PTSD” diagnosis was replaced by Combat Stress Reaction (CSR), also known as “battle fatigue.” The term first appeared in medical journals and became widely used between 1940 and 1945. With long surges common in World War II, soldiers became battle-weary and exhausted” (ptsd.va.gov). The soldiers affected by battle fatigue symptoms are described as follows:

Physical symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, upset stomach, high blood pressure, poor circulation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distress, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence.

Mental health symptoms: Irritability, anger outbursts, excessive fear and worry, depression, apathy, problems sleeping, confusion, memory problems, and dissociation.

Behavioral symptoms: Changes in behavior or personality, restlessness, panic, rage, difficulty prioritizing tasks, difficulty initiating routine tasks, and preoccupation with minor issues 

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity to stimuli such as noises, movements, and light. 

Overactive responses: Overactive responses such as involuntary defensive jerking or jumping 

Sleep disturbances: Sleep disturbances include battle dreams, nightmares, and inability to fall asleep.

Many of us were overwhelmed and distraught in 2024 and years prior that we’ve become hyper-fixed on what we lost, who left us, what didn’t work out, the rejection, the disapproval, the betrayal, the negative report, disappointments, delays, grief, and heartbreak. So here we are in 2025, and God is saying to pivot, expect, revive, recover, approach, take possession, be restored, and produce. However, some of you are still waiting for the other shoe to drop, wondering if more danger is lurking. You say to yourself, “Can I really trust God.” Although you know that God is not a liar, your eyes have seen too many casualties and have affected your perception and faith. Battle fatigue has wrestled your actual vision. But God says to stop rehearsing the past because he is doing something new. What was does not have to reappear in 2025. 

Don’t allow battle fatigue to keep you from experiencing the best year of your life yet. Remove the dirt from your eyes and see the mountains that once stood in your way be cast into the sea. Sing a new tune and dance for the Father like you once did before. Cloag out your ears and gain clarity in His presence. Lay down false reports, your idols, your unbelief, your anger, your hurt, and recover your strength by resting in God. 

We often chuckle in disbelief at the Israelites' frustration as they were on the verge of escaping Egypt with the Pharaoh and his men on their tails. Yet, it is clear that as desperate as they were for new beginnings, they were skeptical of this promise that was suddenly given after 400 years of enslavement to the Egyptians. Was this a trap? They looked to the left and right; no exit was in sight. Just the monstrous sight of their enemies. Then it happened. 

God fortified Moses's courage by reminding him of his authority. “And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” Exodus 14:-15-16 (.NKJV). You may have forgotten for a moment due to the fog of smoke that infiltrates the air and skies when bullets, bombs, aircraft, and flames are involved. The key to recovery from battle fatigue is to remember your identity in Jesus Christ, that you have an assignment, and He has equipped and prepared you for every battlefield you have entered and will enter. I pray your memory returns and the spirit of confusion leaves you in Jesus’s name. 

While battle fatigue comes with one agenda, here’s a benefit: you realize in your recovery that you must prioritize rest to become better, healthier, and stable. As a result, you will need to spend some time away from the front lines and some environments. You may not have the energy for what you were once able to do, and it is okay to acknowledge this and move forward. A soldier who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses is wise. In 2025, know your limits and discern what you can and can’t handle. Create rules and boundaries and abide by them. The best year yet awaits you. 

I pray this message encourages you. 

Love Monica T.