When Instinct Speaks First”
God’s quiet warnings are too important to ignore.
There is a moment — sometimes only a heartbeat — when instinct whispers before danger becomes visible.
Most women know that moment well:
• A man stands too close.
• Someone insists on helping when you’ve said “no.”
• A comment feels “off,” even if the smile seems friendly.
Yet too often, women override that warning because they’ve been taught to:
be nice, keep the peace, don’t make a scene.
But here’s the truth — when something isn’t right, your discomfort is the Holy Spirit doing His job.
🔍 Pre-Incident Indicators (according to The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker)
Here are a few early cues that predators commonly use to test boundaries:
1️⃣ Forced Teaming
“We’re in this together,” when you’re not.
Creates FALSE trust quickly.
2️⃣ Charm and Niceness
Not genuine kindness — a tool to lower defenses.
3️⃣ The Need to be Helpful
When you decline help and they don’t accept it.
4️⃣ Typecasting
Minor insult to provoke engagement:
“Oh, I guess you’re too snobby to talk…”
5️⃣ Loan Sharking
Doing something “for you” to create obligation.
These behaviors are rarely random — they are purposeful tests.
And women notice them every day.
Not with logic first — but with discernment.
God wired you to notice what matters before danger becomes clear.
✝️ Why This Matters for Faith
Discernment is not suspicion.
It is protection.
Faith is not pretending we’re safe in every situation.
It is recognizing God’s nudge and acting wisely in His peace.
Preparedness isn’t fear —
Preparedness is cooperation with God’s design.
✅ This Week’s Practice
Pause and notice:
When do you feel suddenly uneasy?
What changed in the environment?
Who is asking for attention you didn’t invite?
If something feels wrong…
you don’t need a reason.
You only need permission to respond.
📣 “You don’t owe anyone comfort when God is warning you.”
💬 When did you listen to instinct and later realize God was protecting you?
(Your story may be what another woman needs today.)