God is Working His Purposed Out (Hymn)

God is Working His Purpose Out is a Christian hymn that emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the fulfillment of His divine plan, and the spread of His glory across the earth. The song highlights key themes of God’s active purpose, the global reach of His message, and the call for believers to participate in spreading the gospel, all underscored by the promise that God’s glory will fill the earth.

VERSE 1
God is working this purpose out,
As year succeeds to year;
God is working this purpose out,
And the time is drawing near;
Nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be:
When the earth shall be filled with the Glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

VERSE 2
From utmost east to utmost west,
Where human feet have trod,
By the mouth of many messengers
Goes forth the voice of God:
“Give ear to me, ye continents,
Ye isles, give ear to me,
That the earth may be filled with the Glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.”

VERSE 3
Let us go forth in the strength of God,
With the banner of Christ unfurled,
That the light of the glorious gospel of truth
May shine throughout the world.
Let us all fight with sorrow and sin
To set the captives free,
That the earth may be filled with the Glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

VERSE 4
All we can do is nothing worth
Unless God blesses the deed.
Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide
Till God gives life to the seed.
Yet nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled with the Glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

Story Behind the Song

In 1894, Arthur Campbell Ainger, an assistant master at Eton College, composed “God Is Working His Purpose Out” as a tribute to Archbishop Edward White Benson. Ainger, known for his contributions to Christian hymns, wrote this piece to honor Benson’s leadership and vision. [1]

The hymn was first published in a leaflet with music composed by Millicent D. Kingham, an organist at St. Andrew’s Church in Hertford. Kingham, possibly of South African origin, was connected to Ainger through her brother-in-law, the rector of the church. [2]

The lyrics emphasize the unfolding of God’s purpose over time, aligning with the biblical vision of the earth being filled with the knowledge of God’s glory. The song encourages believers to actively participate in this divine plan, reflecting the Christian call to spread the gospel and work towards the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. [3]

Over the years, the hymn has been included in various hymnals, often set to the tune “Benson” by Kingham. Its enduring message continues to inspire congregations worldwide, reminding them of God’s sovereign plan and their role in it. [4]

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