Olney Hymns · Chapter
Good Effects by Weak Means explained
This hymn by Newton celebrates the power of faith in God's promises, even when the means appear weak or insufficient.
What happens
This hymn by Newton celebrates the power of faith in God's promises, even when the means appear weak or insufficient. It contrasts the doubts raised by unbelief with the assurance of true faith, citing biblical examples where God used humble instruments to accomplish great victories. The hymn emphasizes that while God alone is the source of power, He chooses to work through appointed means, and prayer, though weak, is never in vain for those who earnestly seek Him.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The hymn contrasts the dismaying objections of unbelief with the secure leaning of true faith on God's promises, illustrating that faith trusts in God's appointed means.
Divine Providence and Guidance
God is portrayed as the one who makes the power known through the means, emphasizing His sovereign control and guidance in the affairs of His people.
Characters to notice
- Moses
Cited as an example of faith, who by faith raised a road through the sea.
- Jericho
The devoted wall of Jericho fell at the sound of trumpets, illustrating faith in God's appointed means.
- Gideon
Overthrew a camp with a pitcher and a lamp, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
- Goliath
The armed Philistine whose death was accomplished by a stone well-aimed by faith.
Key passages
“Unbelief the soul dismays, What objections will it raise!”
Lack of faith fills the soul with fear and brings up many doubts.
Newton contrasts the troubling nature of unbelief with the peace of faith.
“But true faith securely leans On the promise, in the means.”
Genuine faith rests confidently on God's promise, even when using the appointed methods.
Faith is not in the means themselves but in the God who promises to work through them.
“Moses road, by faith uprear'd, Through the sea a path prepared;”
Moses, acting in faith, lifted his rod and God prepared a path through the sea.
The rod was a weak instrument, but faith in God's command made it effective.
“With a pitcher and a lamp Gideon overthrew a camp:”
Gideon defeated an entire army using only a pitcher and a torch.
This illustrates that God's power is not limited by the weakness of the means.
“And a stone, well aim'd by faith, Proved the arm'd Philistine's death.”
A single stone, thrown with faith, brought down the heavily armed Philistine warrior.
David's victory over Goliath is a classic example of God using weak means to achieve great results.
“Thus the Lord is pleased to try Those who on his help rely;”
In this way, the Lord tests those who depend on His assistance.
God allows challenges to prove and strengthen the faith of His people.