Greatness In Difficult & Unlikely Places

God often reveals His strength in the midst of difficult situations. His ability to fulfill His promises is not dependent on perfect conditions. In fact, He often selects unlikely places to show that His authority transcends circumstances.

In ancient times, Egypt was a dominant civilization, renowned for its wealth and influence. Yet it also stood as a symbol of human pride and idolatry. Still, God chose Egypt as the very place to raise and multiply His people. It became a stage for Him to demonstrate His ability to raise His people above any system, culture, or opposition.

When God causes His people to rise in enemy territory, it is a clear declaration: “I AM SOVEREIGN OVER ALL.” Joseph’s story is a good example of how God used his trials (betrayal, slavery, and false accusations) to elevate him, and Moses was not just used by God; he was prepared by God in Egypt. Egypt provided the foundation for his education, grasp of the palace, and leadership abilities, shaping the man who would eventually confront Pharaoh and lead an entire people to freedom.

Egypt was called “the iron furnace” in Deuteronomy 4:20, a metaphor that describes both the pain and the purpose of the experience. While the Israelites were going through slavery, God was refining them, purifying them, and preparing them for the promise.

Egypt wasn’t a detour in God’s plan; it was part of His design. God told Jacob in Genesis 46:3, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.” It means that God’s blessing is not limited to places we consider holy or perfect.

God chose Egypt, a land that was foreign to the covenant, to fulfill His covenant. It was there that Israel grew, prospered, and was prepared for the Exodus.

God’s people do not merely survive in broken systems. When they walk in obedience, faith, and purpose, they thrive—even in the most unlikely environments. That’s the lesson in Job 36:11 as well: “If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures.” Prosperity isn’t about being in a perfect place. It’s about being aligned with a perfect God.

Ultimately, Egypt is a prophetic pattern. Time and again, Scripture shows that God exalts His people in foreign, even hostile, environments. Daniel in Babylon. Esther in Persia. Jesus in a Roman-occupied land. In every case, God’s greatness was displayed not by removing His people from hardship but by lifting them through it.

You may find yourself in an “Egypt” today—a place that feels foreign, difficult, or even hostile to your faith. But take heart. If God could make His people very great in Egypt, He can make you fruitful where you are. Because the God of the Bible doesn’t just deliver from Egypt. He also demonstrates His power in Egypt. And that is greatness the world cannot ignore.

Remain blessed.

Pastor Jerry Orhue

Senior Pastor, Gracevine Chapel

www.gracevinechapel.org