I was reading about the extreme drought in California this morning and how they are responding with water regulations that will devastate local farmers. In the article, there was a picture of a dry farm with rows of uprooted dead almond trees. One of the farmers explains that they are in "survival mode" and these nuts (80% of the US supply coming from CA) are a "famously thirsty crop", so they were the first to go.

This farmer factoid immediately brought my mind to Scripture. I remembered a puzzling verse in Jeremiah. When God calls Jeremiah to rise up as a prophet in Chapter One, the first thing He shows him is an almond branch.

And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” (Jer 1:11 ESV)

The next verse (God's answer) and the footnote is what always confused me a bit. In verse 12, God says, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” The Bible footnote claims that "almond sounds like the Hebrew for watching". Huh? (head scratch) - has been my response up to this point. BUT TODAY, my response is 😱😭🙌.

You see, almonds are a crop in Israel. I've received them in my treasured monthly subscription boxes. Jeremiah would KNOW that they are water intensive. He would also know the words of God through his predecessor Isaiah:

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it produce and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11 NASB)

This was God preparing Jeremiah for a really hard season of ministry that confronted the nation who had turned away from God. He was dismissed, mocked... thrown into a well and left to die at one point (for not wanting "good" for them)! But God's promise was sure:

They will fight against you, but they will not [ultimately] prevail over you, for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the LORD. (Jer 1:19 AMP)

Are you in a season of waiting right now? Rest assured that God's word and promises are alive and active over you. He is moving behind the scenes and He is faithful to perform what He has spoken over you. BELIEVE!

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45 ESV)

Praying for you today, even as you pray for me. Love you all!
Alli

Here's the article link for reference.
https://gizmodo.com/california-s-farmers-face-unprecedented-water-restricti-1847429075

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