Do you see this bracelet that has a tree on it? You may observe it can say it is an oak tree. Another will say, “That’s the Tree of Knowledge.” Well, call it what you want, but I saw it and bought with an almond tree on my mind.
An almond tree? Yes. And here’s why…
I recently participated in a small group bible study on Jonah by Priscilla Shirer. During one of the homework assignments she had us read Jeremiah 1:4-19 to see an example of an unrealistic assignment by God to someone. When I read this scripture on Jeremiah’s first calling, verses 11-12 jump off the page for me.
“The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Then the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?” And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.” And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.”
Jeremiah 1:4-12 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jeremiah%201:4-12&version=NLT
The Lord said, “I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.” I want to put an exclamation point there!!!
Y’all, do you get it? The reason why I choose to see my bracelet as an almond tree? It is a reminder to me that God is watching over me! And not only that, but that His plans will be carried out! I so want His plans over my own. His ways are better than my ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
I searched what an almond tree looks like. Oh my! It is so breathtakingly beautiful when it is in bloom. I even looked into planting one on my property. (Please, some horticulturist, tell me I can grow one in west central Florida). I have a feeling that there will be more journal entries to come as I research the historical significance of an almond tree.
You know…it is mentioned in Numbers 17:8, Exodus 25:33-34, Exodus 37:19-20, Ecclesiastes 12:5, and Genesis 43:11…so hang on to your britches…there’s more to come one day.
Remember: God is watching over you.
I pray that you will desire God’s plan for your life.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
