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Bishop Ayo Odunayo |
By Bishop Ayo Odunayo, Senior Pastor, Victory International Churches, Port Harcourt
Grace is what makes life truly special. It is not something we can buy with money—it is a gift from God. But while we don’t earn it, there are things we can do to attract and receive it. In this message, I want to share how some Bible people found grace, especially Lot. His story in Genesis 19 gives us deep lessons on how to position ourselves to receive grace and great grace.
What is Grace?
Grace is divine help and favour that makes a person stand out. It opens doors, protects, and brings blessings that you didn’t work for. However, to experience this kind of favour, we must know how to walk in it. Hebrews 4:16 says:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
Grace comes first, then mercy follows. Without grace, it’s hard to find mercy. And mercy is God's special kindness that covers your mistakes and still gives you help.
Lot Found Grace – Genesis 19:19
Lot’s life is a perfect example of how grace works. God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but Lot found grace and was saved. Genesis 19:19 says:
“Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy...” (Genesis 19:19 KJV)
Even when judgment was coming, grace and mercy stepped in and rescued him. May you find grace in your own time of need, in Jesus' name.
What Brought Lot This Grace?
Let’s look at the key things that attracted God's grace and mercy into Lot’s life:
1. He Sat at the Gate – Intercession
In Genesis 19:1, Lot was found sitting at the gate of the city. This was a position of watchfulness, often used by elders or intercessors. Lot was not idle—he was interceding. Even though he had not succeeded in raising righteous people in the city, he was praying. When judgment came, God remembered his intercession.
Your prayers can attract grace and protect you from destruction.
2. He Was Hospitable – Genesis 19:2–3
When the two angels came into the city, Lot begged them to come into his house. He didn’t just invite them—he pressed on them to stay with him.
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 KJV)
Lot’s hospitality spoke louder than any prayer. Even when Abraham stopped interceding at 10 people (Genesis 18), Lot's kindness was still remembered. May your hospitality attract angelic help in Jesus’ name.
3. He Was Humble – Genesis 19:1
When Lot saw the strangers, he bowed himself with his face to the ground. Humility always attracts grace.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6 KJV)“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV)
4. He Made Sacrifices for Others – Genesis 19:6–7
Lot was willing to put himself and even his family on the line to protect the strangers. This act of sacrifice caught heaven’s attention.
The things you do for others when no one is watching can trigger divine intervention when you least expect it.
What Didn’t Attract Grace?
1. Not Abraham’s Intercession Alone
Abraham stopped praying when he got to 10 people (Genesis 18:32). He never mentioned Lot’s name directly, and he didn't go lower than 10—even though Lot's household was less. But God still sent help.
Prayer is powerful, but grace will go beyond what people do for you—it will meet you where you are.
2. Lot’s Spiritual Assignment Failure
Lot was raised in Abraham’s house and taught to fear God. He was placed in Sodom to raise godly influence, but he failed. Not even 10 righteous people could be found. Some of his sons-in-law didn’t take him seriously.
Don’t fail in your spiritual assignment. Many people’s lives are tied to your obedience.
Grace and Mercy Pulled Him Out
When destruction was near and Lot was lingering, angels pulled him out (Genesis 19:15–16). That’s what grace and mercy can do—they don’t just advise you, they drag you out of danger.
Conclusion: What Is Great Grace?
Lot didn’t only receive grace—he received extra grace. In Genesis 19:20, he asked to be allowed to stay in a small nearby city instead of going to the mountain, and God agreed. Grace gave him even more options.
“And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also...” (Genesis 19:21 KJV)
Final Prayer
As we continue serving God, may we not miss the principles that attract grace. May we walk in humility, prayer, hospitality, and sacrifice. May God’s mercy speak for us in times of judgment. And may great grace be our portion.
In Jesus' Name – Amen.
Compiled by: Oluchi Omai
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