Children, tweens and teens, who’ve received nurture to their spirits, have a great inner strength and resolve. This strength is very good as it’s a sign of inner health by being able to stand solid in oneself. It’s also very good as it’s the opposite of weakness and infirmity which makes us susceptible to the Father’s enemy (yes His grace is sufficient in our weakness, but it’s always His will to strengthen, heal, and fill those weak places). Further, it’s very good because the Father wants and needs people of all ages strong enough to stand up with Him–and that takes strength to be able to stand alone with Him when necessary.

What this means for parents is that the children have a strong will, strong mind, strong emotions. It’s a sign of health, and it’s very good.

What it is not is easy.

Maybe you haven’t even nurtured your child’s spirit in the womb or as a young child and you’re concerned about their inner strength and spiritual health. Father did. He nurtured the spirits of Samson, Samuel, David and John the Baptist as babies in the womb and children. Children are designed by Father with a high and close connection to Him. To read more about that connection, click here.

Jesus said that the angels of children always see Father’s face—which means that angels are on attentive alert to the Father’s direction for those children (Matthew 18:10). He also said that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these:  children (Luke 18:16).

They sense, feel, hear, understand, receive from Father and are permeable by the spiritual realm. They are sensitive to the spiritual realm of darkness too—and to best protect them it’s imperative to get our homes clean spiritually (which may include tossing or destroying certain physical items) and to pray for our families daily.

On the good side, they receive and respond to the Father, Son and Spirit and the angelic realm. As you’re going about your physical day, they will say the most profound things. Words, concepts, compassionate and/or wise interactions that are light years above their physical age level startle us, sometimes, as parents.

John*, between ages 2 and 3, told his mom that this was the day to go to his grandmother’s house to work and pray in the prayer garden she was developing. At his pre-school age, they had the freedom to do so, and it was a highly blessed time where the Spirit of the Lord met the family. John sensed the door open in time correctly.

Chris*, between ages 5 and 6, described the angel of his brother running down the hall. He’d gone to look in his other sibling’s room to see where his brother was headed. Unexpectedly, he saw the boy, dressed and appearing the same age and in the same clothes as his brother, leap up to the high window in the vaulted room, disappearing from the house.

Sam* shocked his family the day his dad and mom were discussing the possibility of a situation in their lives being an attack of the Father’s ancient enemy. At 5 years old, Sam said it wasn’t possible. There were too many angels around their house for the enemy to get in, he said matter-of-factually. Instantly, his mom remembered the Scripture, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7).

In those moments, they are speaking from their spirit, interacting from above, where is their rightful home, just as it is yours.

It is wisdom to take seriously what the children are saying. Yes, they are imaginative and creative, and if they’ve been filled up on silly words, silly or unclean programming and/or games, they will have that “plaque” build up. Yes, take that into consideration.

However, when they begin speaking about the Heavenly Father, His angels, profound things, things they haven’t learned, drop what you are doing, and pay attention. Take note. In fact, let them talk and give your full attention, and then write it down and date it.

Thank them for sharing with you what they received from the Heavenly Father. Then, let them go about their play or day.

You do want them to feel safe, that you are available and attentive, that what they are saying is important, and to nurture that relationship with their Heavenly Father.

You do not want them to feel or believe that they need to accentuate, exaggerate, or drum up spiritual things to be able to connect with you or please you. Be aware of this:  Your children are sensitive to you, too, and you are their first mission on earth. And that mission is to love you with the Heavenly Father’s love.

Early on in my experience of nurturing and protecting my children spirit first, the Father impressed this wisdom which has guided many of my husband and my decisions. It has shielded us from a great deal of unwanted trouble.

“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Proverbs 2:11

When your children share these precious, profound pictures, images, words, spiritual messages and experiences with you, it is private information. Not public. It’s human nature to want to share joy. Share your joy with your Heavenly Father, with your spouse, with your trusted spiritual friend or mentor.

However, using discretion to avoid sharing the spiritual treasures they’ve shared builds credibility with the Heavenly Father who allowed you a sneak-peak into His work with your child who is His child. It also builds credibility with your child, proving they have a safe place that’s trustworthy with you.

Be like Mary. Protect your children’s spirits (and hearts) as she did Jesus with discretion by not sharing what they said publically. Treasure these things in your heart. If Mary had a journal available, she would have journaled. We do—so treasure them in your heart, and write them down in your journal!

*Names have been changed.

By Crystal Wade, copyright 2018