She’s one of my heroes. Amber Taube has been on the mission field with her husband and two young children for over a year now. Nepal is a land of rugged beauty, but has experienced devastating earthquakes in recent years. The Taubes had been in the country for a handful of weeks when a major quake hit the region.

In spite of all she and her family have faced, they’ve continued to persevere and share the hope of the gospel with the people in Nepal. It’s my privilege to host Amber as she shares how God has been her Refuge and Friend in an extremely challenging time:

I can weather the storms that will inevitably rage. Not because I’ve crafted a tempest-tested vessel, but because the Christ who humbly let death momentarily defeat him conquered it three days later.

His power walked His once lifeless body out of the tightly shut tomb, but His love for me kept Him shamefully still on the cross as His last breath escaped His colorless lips.

And isn’t that the best kind of friend to have? A trustworthy treasure, a selfless safe place, a reliable Redeemer.

I can shoot a text to my BFF who may roll her eyes at my latest conundrum as she seeks to untangle the fears and temptations that weave tightly around her own soul. Or I can cling to the hand of my soul’s indweller as He leads me to my only true confidant, my best friend for eternity.

He’s been called a friend of sinners. And, rightfully so, since he’s a friend of mine. The benefits of this relationship so lavishly extended to me are as freeing as they are mind-blowing.

He equips me, in His love, to live fearless and free resting in His refuge yet enabled in boldness that draws others in for an introduction. As I invite them into my safe place, I can trust that the Holy Spirit that guides my steps to the Cross time and time again will pull them in with power and grace that comes not from my weak attempts to convey His worth that speaks for itself.

I can’t force people into the Refuge or pressure them into a relationship with the most precious Friend they could ever have. But I can proclaim with unwavering faith forged in His providential power that He is the only One who can save us from death and set our feet on unshakeable ground.

The only Friend I can trust will not leave me or let me down. He gives me great work to do for Him as I labor to win Him sinners for friends. He rewards me here with a growing faith and flourishing family yet much greater rewards await me in my Home with Him.

How empowering it is to serve the Savior! How sweet it is to call Him friend!