From Calling to Celebration: The Story God Wrote on Launch Night

Written By Lori G. Melton

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Eph 3:20-21

He did it!

Just like He promised in His Word—

“Faithful is He who called you, and absolutely trustworthy, and He will do it!” 1 Thess 5:24

God showed Himself faithful in every detail of the Journey with a Giant Book Launch.

This week on the Journey with a Giant podcast, Robert and I pause to celebrate and reflect on the official launch of Journey with a Giant out into the world. One week after the book release and the launch event at Baker Book House, we look back at what God did in that room, and even more, what He has been doing inside us through this long journey of calling, waiting, and obedience.

My hope is that as you listen, you will not simply hear “Lori’s big night,” but you will recognize your own story in it.

[Click here to listen to the episode]​
[Or here to watch it on YouTube]

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When We Step Forward, God Powerfully Meets Us

I still don’t have words for the presence, power, and beauty in that room.

Sixty-four people from every area of my life gathered—family, friends, clients from Bryan’s office, fellow writers, spiritual directors, ministry partners, and some of you. When I stood to speak and looked out across the room, I was overcome by the love, unity, and support I felt. It truly was the body of Christ—linked together in purpose and hope.

And in that moment, God overshadowed me with His peace.

After all the struggles, over the past five years and even the previous five days leading up to the event, the moment the theme song, Hymn of Heaven played, all the anxiety lifted. What remained was His presence… His joy… His strength.

As my husband, Bryan, introduced me, a deep knowing settled inside:
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​God had given me this message for the world, and He had given me the gifts and the strength to share it.
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I wasn’t afraid anymore. I was ready.
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We Need the Lord to Renew Our Minds

For years, I’ve battled a quiet lie—that I wasn’t capable enough or strong enough to show up as a true professional, whether writing a book or standing in front of a room of people. I’ve often felt like a little kid in a grown-up’s body, watching others step boldly into their gifts while I felt insufficient.

But two years ago, as the book contract arrived, the Lord brought me back to the burning bush where He called Moses to go to Egypt and lead His people to the Promised Land.

Moses argued, “Not me, Lord. Don’t you remember? I stutter.”
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​But those doubts never once crossed God’s mind.
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He knew exactly who He was calling.
And what He intended to do through him.

And God was showing me the same thing.

The way I’ve viewed myself for decades has not been His truth. Through every step of the writing, speaking, podcasting, and learning to show up as the person He created me to be, He has been gently reshaping my mind and my identity—just as Paul urges us:

“Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” so that we can, “test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1–2)

This is precisely what God has been doing in me. Week by week, step by step, He has been renewing my mind—teaching me to see myself the way He sees me and freeing me from the lies that have been holding me back.

Last week, as I worked on the presentation and fought fear, I prayed, “Lord, do in me what I cannot do in myself.”

And He did.

Standing behind that podium, something shifted. A new confidence—rooted not in my ability but in His presence—rose up inside me.

I don’t know if the fear of public speaking will vanish forever. But I do know this: the Holy Spirit has been whispering to me for over a decade that more opportunities are coming. I always said, “Not me, Lord… I’m not good at that.”

But Now ...

I want His truth more than the safety of my old fears.​
I want to become everything He knit into me in my mother’s womb.

We all carry wounds, old stories, and childhood lies that try to keep us from stepping into our callings. But when we follow His promptings—even trembling—He heals us one faithful step at a time.

This is what the spiritual giants show us, too. Ordinary people who said yes to God—and discovered what His strength can do through a surrendered life.

My prayer is that the same thing that the Lord did in me, He will do in you— and that He will lead you to the spiritual giant, and the steps of faithfulness, He has ordained for you in the year ahead!

Looking Ahead ...

As this podcast series comes to a close, I want you to know how deeply grateful I am for you. Thank you for listening, for sharing, for joining launch teams and book groups, for sending kind notes, and for simply being present on the other side of the microphone. You are part of the cloud of witnesses God used to bring this message to life.

Watch for upcoming episodes of The Sanctuary Stirrings podcast with powerful topics for growing in your relationship with God and others, and resources to help you continue this practice of walking with a spiritual giant--sprinkled throughout the Holidays, and a new season coming your way in 2026!

Keep in touch as you read the book—I’m excited to hear about the giant you choose, answer any questions you have, and hear about your journey. Check out the resources below to invite others to join you on the journey.

If the book or the podcast has encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend and leaving a review wherever you purchased it. Those simple acts are incredibly powerful in helping others discover all that God has waiting for them.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus,
Lori

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Resources for Your Journey:

Lori G. Melton
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