Part 4: Living in Survival Mode — The Toll of Prolonged Stress

Some people did not burn out—they were worn down.

Prolonged stress keeps the body in a state of alert, even when danger has passed. You may struggle to rest, feel constantly tense, or believe that slowing down is unsafe. These are not character flaws—they are survival responses.

Jesus offers rest not as reward, but as restoration:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Healing teaches the nervous system that safety is possible again.

Pause & Consider

• How has my body learned to stay on guard?

• What signs tell me I am operating from exhaustion?

• Where can rest become intentional rather than accidental?

Closing
If your body learned survival, it was because it had to.
Healing begins when you allow yourself to rest without explanation
and believe that safety does not need to be earned.