A Closer Walk

Stuart Hamblen was a hugely popular personality in Southern California. He was the original "Singing Cowboy," beginning in 1926. In 1931 he hosted the popular radio program "Family Album." He acted in Western movies with such actors as Gene Autrey, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne. He composed music and in 1934 became the first artist signed by the American Division of DECCA Records. Mr. Hamblen was married and had two daughters, but he did not handle his fame very well at all. His drinking and public brawling landed him in jail several times. Because he and his radio program were so popular his sponsors would bail him out of jail and smooth things over. He referred to himself as the "original juvenile delinquent."
In 1949 Billy Graham came to Los Angeles for one of his Crusades. Since Mr. Graham was a public figure, Mr. Hamblen invited him to be a guest on his radio program. While there, Billy invited Stuart to attend the Crusade, which he agreed to do. It was at this point in his life that Stuart Hamblen found Jesus, repented, and was saved. This turned his life around and he became a member of the Temperance Movement. After Stuart's conversion he refused to do commercials for alcoholic beverages, and he lost his disc jockey job because of that. Shortly after, he went to see his friend John Wayne at John's house, and being hospitable, Mr. Wayne offered Stuart a drink. Stuart refused by saying, "It is no secret what God can do." John Wayne told him he should write a song by that name. He did.
"It Is No Secret What God Can Do" has been recorded by artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and its composer Stuart Hamblen himself, along with many, many others. "The chimes of time ring out the news another day is through. Someone slipped and fell, was that someone you? You may have longed for added strength your courage to renew. Do not be disheartened for I have news for you. It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others He'll do for you! With arms wide open He'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do." Words and music by Stuart Hamblen, 1908-1989.
Second verse. “There is no night for in His light you'll never walk alone. Always feel at home no matter where you roam. There is no power to conquer you when God is on your side. Just take Him at His promise, don't run away and hide. It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others He'll do for you! With arms wide open He'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do.” Wow! Maybe even better than the first verse, if that's possible. This song testifies to our Lord's power and watchcare over His children. By the way, this meeting with Mr. Graham was not only a turning point for Mr. Hamblen, but Billy Graham stated that Stuart testifying at the Crusade in Los Angeles was a turning point in the ministry of Billy Graham. He pointed out that prior to this his crowds had been quite small. After this they were larger and kept increasing in numbers (Sourced from Wikipedia). Amazing how our God works all things together for the good of those who love Him! (See Romans 8:28)
Let's look at this another way. Is it a secret what God can do? Is it? If it is then we as believers are not doing our jobs of testifying and witnessing as to what our God has done for us. We should be proclaiming loudly what the Lord God Almighty has done on our behalf. We should be shouting it from the rooftops, so to speak. (Please don't climb on top of your roof and shout just to make a point. We don't want anyone to get hurt.) We should be sharing how the Lord has impacted our lives, as God provided the opportunity. If someone asks about God, or prayer, or the Kingdom of God, it likely means they have an open and receptive heart. We don't want to force our testifying upon someone. But even as fruit is picked when it is ripe, there are times when people are open and receptive, ripe, so to speak, to hear about our Lord and what He has done for us and in turn what He can do for them. Some call those "Divine Appointments." Someone we meet on an airplane, or at a restaurant, or even someone at work who is experiencing a crises or calamity may be a "Divine Appointment." We do not need to go to evangelist school before we do this. We only need to share our heart in sincerity.
We, the children of God, should have confidence that if we or someone we know or meet asks God for help that He will provide it. This is, after all, an opportunity for the Lord God Almighty to reveal who He is to another future believer. And. It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others He'll do for you. Amen?
“Trust in the Lord and do good ...” Psalm 37 3 NASB.