It Is No Secret

It Is No Secret

You’ve probably never heard of Stuart Hamblen. Don’t feel bad. Neither had I until recently. It wasn’t that long ago, however, that Stuart had the most popular radio show in Los Angeles.

Stuart lived a fast and hard life with lots of drinking and lots of the other things that go with it. But he was a talented musician and one of the first singing cowboys. He appeared in films with Gene Autrey, Roy Rogers and John Wayne.

In 1949, Billy Graham scheduled an evangelistic “Crusade” in Los Angeles. At the time, Graham was a young, unknown preacher. In need of publicity, he contacted Stuart about being interviewed on his show. During that interview, he invited Stuart to come to the revival and check things out.

Stuart did and the result was astounding. He surrendered his life to Jesus. In fact, he was the first convert of the event and the story spread like wildfire! Stuart Hamblen?? Of all the people, he would have been the least likely to become a Christian.

The people of Southern California were captivated by the amazing change in Stuart and they flocked to Graham’s meetings in such large numbers that the event was extended for eight more weeks! Billy Graham became a household name and the Hamblen story catapulted him into the national spotlight. It was the turning point that Graham’s ministry needed.

Later that year, Hamblen encountered his old friend, John Wayne, who asked him if the rumors were true about his change of ways. Stuart told Wayne that it was no secret what God had done for him and that he could do it for Wayne, too. Wayne said it sounded like a song and suggested he write one. He did.

“It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)” was written and performed by Hamblen and quickly became a hit. It is the first song to ever reach number one on the country, gospel and pop charts. I have known the song for decades, but now I can’t sing it without picturing a cowboy on a horse strumming his guitar. Here are the lyrics to the song that tells Hamblen’s story:

IT IS NO SECRET:

1-The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through;

Some one slipped and fell, was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew;

Do not be disheartened I have news for you.

[Chorus:]

It is no secret what God can do,

What he has done for others,

He'll do for you.

With arms wide open,

He'll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do.

2-There is no night, for in His light you'll never walk alone.

You'll always feel at home wherever you may roam,

There is no power can conquer you, while God is on your side.

Take Him at His promise, don't run away and hide.

[Chorus:]

It is no secret what God can do,

What he has done for others,

He'll do for you.

With arms wide open,

He'll pardon you.

It is no secret what God can do...