God’s People in Egypt: Growing in the Shadows

🗓️ Week 1 – Sunday (June 29)

God’s People in Egypt: Growing in the Shadows

Have you ever felt like everything was going well — until suddenly, it wasn’t?

That’s kind of how Exodus begins. When Jacob’s family first settled in Egypt, it was a time of peace and provision. They came as honored guests. Seventy people in all — a small clan (see Gen. 46:27).

But they didn’t stay small for long. In just a few generations, they became a mighty nation. The Bible says they “were fruitful, increased greatly, multiplied, and became exceedingly strong” (Exodus 1:7). God’s hand was clearly with them.

And then, things changed.

A new Pharaoh came to power. One who didn’t know Joseph. One who didn’t care about the past or the blessings these people had brought to Egypt. He saw a threat, not a legacy — and he responded with fear and force (Exodus 1:8–11).

Just like that, freedom turned into slavery.

The Israelites were pressed into hard labor. Their bodies ached under the weight of bricks and bitterness. But here’s the miracle — the more they were oppressed, the more they grew (Exodus 1:12).

Isn’t that incredible?

It’s almost as if suffering became soil for spiritual strength. God’s promise to multiply His people didn’t stop when Pharaoh said, “Work harder.” It kept moving forward, quietly, powerfully — even in the shadows.

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🔍 So what about us?

We live in a world where good situations can shift without warning. Job security disappears. Health takes a sudden turn. Friendships change. And sometimes, we feel forgotten — like God isn’t watching.

But Exodus reminds us: God sees. God remembers. And God never forgets His promises.

Even when we’re pushed to the edge, His purposes don’t fail.

So, if you’re in a season where you feel pressed down, take heart. You might just be in the middle of a growth season you can’t yet see.