# Good Effects by Weak Means explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

> By the means he makes it known That the power is all his own.

Through these appointed methods, He reveals that all power belongs to Him.

_The means are not the source of power; they are simply the channels through which God displays His might._

> Yet the means are not in vain, If the end we would obtain;

However, the methods are not useless if we desire to achieve the goal.

_God honors the use of means when they are accompanied by faith and prayer._

> Though the breath of pray'r be weak, None shall find but they who seek.

Even if our prayers are feeble, only those who earnestly seek will find.

_The effectiveness of prayer is not in its eloquence but in the sincerity of the seeker._

> God alone the heart can reach, Yet the ministers must preach:

Only God can truly change a heart, but preachers are still called to proclaim the message.

_This highlights the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility._

> 'Tis their part the seed to sow, And 'tis his to make it grow.

It is the preacher's duty to plant the seed of the Word, but it is God who causes it to grow.

_The growth of faith is ultimately God's work, not the result of human effort._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/39-good-effects-by-weak-means
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters