Let Go by Betsy St. Amant

Betsy St. Amant

There’s been a theme lately that God has been showing me, and it’s too powerful not to share. It seems that everywhere I turn, I am getting downright bombarded with the story of how Peter walked on water to Jesus. Devotionals in my email inbox. Sermons. Scriptures in my in-box. Texts from friends. It’s everywhere, and I’ve learned over the years that when this happens, it’s God trying to tell me something.

In my personal life, there have been some risks I’ve needed to take in order to draw closer to Jesus. Uncomfortable, scary, emotional risks, that mean letting go of dreams—and even more importantly, letting go of my attempts to control and manipulate and make those dreams happen.

Essentially, it means letting go of the boat.

I can’t even imagine Peter’s death grip on the side of that crude wood before he finally released it and walked across the choppy waves toward Jesus. I’m sure that was one white-knuckled grip! But in order to do the impossible, we have to let go of the possible.

The same can be applied in our writing. As authors, it’s hard sometimes to put our hearts on paper and take the risk of writing our true passion. Of being vulnerable. Of being out there for all to see, exposed and raw.

Because, what if we get rejected? What if no one likes what we have to say? What if our reviews are bad or we turn into a one hit wonder or our sales plummet and embarrass us in front of publishers? What if, what if, what if…

But what if we never let go of the side of the boat and never experience the joy of full faith in Jesus? What if we hold on tight to what we think is stable, only to miss the exhilaration of dreams coming true? What if we limit ourselves and God by refusing to trust Him and His plan for our lives and careers and ministries?

Peter let go. I’m having to let go. And I hope you will too. Whatever is holding you back and keeping your fingers wrapped tight around the edge of that boat, I pray today you’ll release that grip and walk open-handed toward Christ. Embrace the wind and the waves and keep your eyes fixed firmly on Him. He still controls the wind and waves, you know. He controls those fears lapping at your ankles and the fears howling in your eyes. They submit to Him.

Let go. And trust.

You won’t sink. 

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Let go. And trust. You won’t sink. 
Can you imagine letting go of the boat? 
What theme has God been hitting you with lately?

About the Author

Betsy St. Amant has a heart for three things – chocolate, new shoes and sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. She lives in Louisiana with her adorable story-telling young daughter, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of Pickle Pringles. A freelance journalist and fiction author, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is multi-published in Contemporary Romance. Her ninth Love Inspired novel released in January 2014, while her first romance with Zondervan Publishers comes out September 2014. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to the Tangled soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing, and can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha.

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes
Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes
by Betsy St. Amant

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.
But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.