Jeremiah 1:4-12

4Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying,

5Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.(A)

6Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am only a youth.(B)

7But the Lord said to me, Say not, I am only a youth; for you shall go to all to whom I shall send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8Be not afraid of them [their faces], for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

9Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

10See, I have this day appointed you to the oversight of the nations and of the kingdoms to root out and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.

11Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Jeremiah, what do you see? And I said, I see a branch or shoot of an almond tree [the emblem of alertness and activity, blossoming in late winter].

12Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.