I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW

Ira Stanphill was born on Valentine’s Day in 1914.  He was a well-known gospel music writer, preacher and evangelist in the 20th century.  Believing and receiving Jesus Christ as his Saviour at the age of 12, he finished college and began preaching at age 22. 

As an evangelist he travelled and spoke at Churches and Bible Camps and in at least 40 countries.  He wrote more than 500 songs…some of which were recorded by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.  Some of his favourite compositions are “Mansion Over the Hilltop,” “We’ll Talk it Over,” “Room at the Cross for You,” and “Suppertime”.  Occasionally, at one of his crusades, he would ask the audience for suggested titles of a song; he would select one of them, and during the service would write words and music for the song.

Ira was devastated when in 1948, his first wife divorced him after 10 years of ministry together.  A few years later in 1951, she was tragically killed in a car accident.  He had sunk into depression.  While driving one day, he started to hum a tune and then sing words about the fact that although he did not know the future, he trusted God who did know what was ahead.  When he arrived home, he finished the composition of I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW. Ira’s hymn has been a blessing and encouragement to many over the years.