And Joseph said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about the present result,” Genesis 50:20.

Wow or Ouch! It is perplexing how the same thing can produce two opposite reactions.

The identical conditions that produce a spectacular, sparkling, scenic wonder of a frost-coated landscape can create the excruciating, deadly bite of nerve-damaged skin.

Leaders often face a similar reality. A challenge or difficulty can produce an opportunity to display God’s beauty or it can bring the stinging bite of discouragement.

It’s all about whether or not you are covered.

Frost has a biting impact when skin is exposed, but when skin is covered frost only touches me with its beauty. The challenges or difficulties in ministry can be met in a like manner.

When I operate on my own strength, I am exposed to their cold, spiritually deadening bite. However, when I operate under the ‘cover’ of God’s protective grace, rather than harming me, God’s purposes are beautifully display. The cold bite of problems is transformed into the beauty of God’s perfect plan for the landscape of our life and ministry.

Cold, frost-filled days are coming. Cover up and enjoy every one of them!