God’s people frequently find themselves in a hostile ‘foreign’ environment. The Bible has many examples.
In Ezekiel God refers to Himself as a little sanctuary (11.16), a presence wherever the people were scattered. This is important, as those people found themselves in unfriendly and hostile situations, such as Babylon and Susa. The books of Daniel and Esther illustrate this experience. And, of great interest and importance, they illustrate the impact of God’s people in those contexts, as Daniel and Esther, with Mordecai, significantly influenced the nations in which they founded themselves. God’s presence did more than sustain and uphold His people – they were enabled to make a real difference, influencing the culture for good.
This ‘little sanctuary’ experience is more than a comfort in hard moments, although it is that; it is the springboard to godly influence, to effective and powerful testimony in an ungodly environment.