The power of discriminating grace

‎By Chioma Obinagwam
‎
‎Ever wondered why some people are more favoured over others? It is the power of discriminating grace.
‎
‎This was the resounding message from Provincial Pastor Bola Odutola as he ministered to a packed congregation at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 40, urging believers to become carriers of a grace that distinguishes, elevates, and accelerates divine promises.
‎
‎Drawing from Genesis 18:12-18, Pastor Odutola vividly recounted the moment an angel promised Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. Sarah laughed in disbelief—an act that, humanly speaking, could have derailed God’s plan. “By right what they did was enough to abort the miracle,” he said. “But they still had their miracles. It was because they were carriers of distinguishing and discriminating grace.”
‎
‎Confiance News gathered that he challenged the congregation to declare boldly: *”I will be the carrier of distinguishing and discriminating grace. It is a catalyst for progress.”* Contrasting Sarah’s outcome with Zechariah’s temporary silence for similar doubt, the pastor proclaimed: *”Your long-standing promise shall be expressly converted to testimonies.”*
‎
‎The secret laughter of Genesis 21:6 soon graduated into public celebration. “‘And Sarah said, God has made me laugh so that all that hear it will laugh with me,'” Pastor Odutola quoted. “The laughter made in secret by Sarah and Abraham became real laughter when Isaac was born. They said God has brought them laughter—and all who hear it will laugh with them.” Turning prophetic, he declared: *”God will bring you laughter. The Lord is going to do great things in your life, and all who hear it will laugh with you.”*
‎
‎To access this grace, the pastor pointed to Psalm 25:1: *”Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.”* “It is not easy to lift up a soul,” he explained. “It is not easy for an aircraft to take off. You lift your soul through praise and worship.” Citing Ephesians 5:19, he urged singing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” to God.
‎
‎From 1 Samuel 1:19 (MSG), Hannah’s plea for one son resulted in five children. Dismissing mere coincidence, Pastor Odutola asserted: “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
‎
‎The atmosphere charged with faith, worshippers lifted hands in praise, many testifying to breakthroughs already unfolding. As the service ended, Pastor Odutola prayed that every attendee would walk in discriminating grace—turning delays into testimonies, doubts into laughter, and promises into undeniable reality.