This journey took a year, because answers people gave me about the connection between the rod of an almond tree and Yeshua's Word, did not resonate in my spirit. My search continued, until one day.

Abba Father orchestrated an unsual setting for my Jeremia 1 answer.  To this day it brings a smile to my face.  I can truly testify that Yeshua is involved in the small, intricate details of our lives and His perfect timing has a reason for a specific season.  Not too early, because then we will miss it and never late.  An art gallery was the venue for this specific women's gathering.  Prophetic art was on display and the artist was explaining her work, when suddenly she pointed to the almond blossoms she had painted.

My ears perked up and all my senses went on high alert.  Abba Father, through this lady started ministering to me and I knew I had received my answer.

Jeremiah saw a branch of an almond tree and the Lord answered that He is watching to see that His Word is fulfilled.  In Israel, the almond tree is the first tree to blossom, but one of the last in the season to bring its "fruit"/seed. In other words, there is a long time frame from first blossom to picking the almond.  Other trees in Israel will bud, bloom and give fruit, before the almond tree does.  In the case of the almond, patience is necessary.  If the almond is picked too early, before its appointed time, it could be harmful when ingested.

It is often quoted "As in the natural, so in the Spirit."  The almond tree teaches us that the blossom is a sure sign of the fruit to come, but it does not happen immediately, it takes time.  Whilst the almond is growing and maturing, the Lord is not absent.  In life, this is what happens. Yeshua is not forgetful or slow to answer us as we might perceive it through human eyes.  No, He is waiting for the precise timing, the exact moment, to accomplish what He has sent His Word forth for, as stated in Isaiah 55:11.  When you wonder where is God, when will He answer, know it is synonymous with the almond ripening time frame.  That is like the maturing from blossom to fruit.  God is right there, in your midst, never leaving you and never forsaking you.  .  Abba Father is watching over you and His Word and in His accurate, pinpoint timing your answer will come.  Patienty wait, persist in prayer, study the Word and do not give up.  Yeshua is strengthening your faith.   Romans 4:20 "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened  in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised."

It takes an almond tree seven to twelve years to produce its first almonds.  The impressive miracle of Aaron's staff sprouting, budding, blossoming and producing almonds, was truly remarkable!  The Lord's supernatural power was displayed for all to see.  The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, chose the almond tree, to show His authority.  Reference Numbers 17.

It is noteworthy to remember that the Golden Lampstand or Menorah, was specifically crafted to incorporate the almond buds, blossoms and beautiful flowers.  Exodus 37:17-24 gives the detail.  Within this image the Lord is also conveying a deep spiritual message.

Shaked/Shaqed ,  שָׁקֵד meaning almond, sounds like shaqad , which means "to watch/wake."

 This play on words is like the cherry on top, or shall we say, the "almond" on top.  It is portraying the link between watching and an almond, so that we can learn a spiritual lesson from a physical object like an almond tree.  The almond is a symbol of alertness; to recognize your calling, your purpose and to grow in that anointing so that you can be fruitful in your walk with the Lord. He is watching and helping to fulfil His will and His Word in your life.

I know I can confidently trust in a faithful covenantal God and so my almond blossom journey continues.