STILL HERE ‘N’ STILL SMILING (POEM AND BIBLE VERSES)

STILL HERE ‘N’ STILL SMILING (POEM AND BIBLE VERSES)

  • Posted by Edith Ohaja
  • On November 4, 2018
  • 75 Comments

They said the walk with Christ will go swimmingly
That the altar call is all you need to rest easy
They said that if you give your money willingly
That Christ will make you rich, you’ll be so cosey

But the Bible stood to tell me a different story
That I should daily carry my cross in faithfulness
And though I give my all, it should give Him glory
My motivation, not wealth, but to show my gratefulness

And so I mused if I should ditch the Man of Calvary
I was hooked on the slick and smooth appeal fable
But as in the straight and narrow way I did tarry
I was convinced the truth is as told by my old Bible

I’ve seen the path of the believer is rarely trouble-free
The world and the devil tempt him relentlessly
His goal is heaven, not the earth’s gold ‘n’ glitzy glee
His hope is not a life on earth that goes breezingly

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(Related: 3 Major Works Of Grace In The Believer’s Life)
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In view of this, in the Lord I’m profoundly rooted
In spite of the billows, I am staunchly standing
For temptations and trials I am befittingly suited
And no matter the knocks, I am continually smiling

My brothers and sisters on the believer’s journey
Disillusionment follows ungoverned yearning
Our expectations are subject to the Lord’s mercy
Extol His name ’cause we’re still here ‘n’ still smiling!

Ⓒ Edith Ugochi Ohaja 2018

Scriptural references:

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

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(Related: I Will Be Happy And So Should You)
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“… we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” – Acts 14:22

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:7

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(Related: Eternity In View – Poem)
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“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” – Philippians 3:20 (ESV).

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-12 (emphasis, mine)

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(Related: 6 Correct Christian Views Of Money)
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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” – 1 Peter 1:3-6. (emphasis, mine)

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.
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Has your experience in your Christian walk been like mine or different? Do share something about it, if you may.

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75 Comments

Nedum Igbo
I receive grace to stay in his presence despite whatever happens.
Angela Royse Pelleman
This was sweet to read, Edith! It explains how first we are drawn to Jesus because of the perfection and hope and joy, which IS yes true; however on earth we will endure many, many trials because the devil roams here! And though we suffer and have pain; somehow we find we can still smile and share the gospel; all because He Who lives in us is Greater than He Who lives in the world! God bless you my dear sister in Christ, in Jesus’ name! Keep smiling! 😊❤️✝️
    Edith Ohaja
    Oh yes, Angela! He who is in us is indeed greater than anything we may ever face. My love to you and your family as you keep pointing out the silver lining in.our experiences this side of heaven.
Donna Miller
This is so beautiful and encouraging! We can become disillusioned in our walks if we think it will all be roses. Thank you for sharing. I pray this encourages others as it has encouraged me! ❤
    Edith Ohaja
    Thank you for visiting, Donna! I say a big "Amen" to your prayer in Jesus' name.
Jibulu Ngozi
The truth be told, we are faced with great obstacles once we dwell in Christ like tribulations becomes a greater part of a believer but with GOD all tribulations are easy to conquer. More power to your elbow and the Almighty will strengthen your faith in Him and also keep you going.
Sunday
Some time ago we used to sing this hymn, "Give me that old time religion... It's good enough for me". Another one we sang was, "am on the battle field for my Lord...I must continue to fight till I die". These hymns and others like them suggest that the Christian Journey on this earth is not a walk in the park. It is rather a fight through the jungle. The kind of Gospel we hear these days leaves me wondering if the words of our Lord Jesus and that of his apostles, the harbingers of the new covenant has been updated. My personal experience as a believer, agrees with the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, that through much temptations and trials, will a believer enter into the kingdom. Oh how I wish that what the modern preachers of the "new revelations" are telling me were true. Then I would have just taken a jolly ride into paradise. But alas, it is not so. In my odyssey as a Christian, I have been tempted, I have fallen and risen, I have been tried with severe trials and I found out the true meaning of the Scripture, "nay in all these things, we are more than Conquerors..." Again it says in another place, "to him that OVERCOMETH, will I give a crown..." Is it not the trials, temptations, tribulations that we must overcome to receive a crown of life and glory that will never fade? Where did our preachers get this gospel that makes half-baked Christians today that cannot stand trials, temptations and persecutions? How did we come about this new message that the believer will enjoy a smooth journey to yonder heaven by and by. We need to go back to the Master's feet and ask him again, "Lord is it so?" Great poem, my sister. Like you, I have gone through many things but I'm still here, standing and smiling. God bless you for this.
    Edith Ohaja
    Wow, what a wonderful comment! Abundant grace on you, my dear, as we journey along in Jesus' name.
Victor
A beautiful one again. The third verse sunk into me in spirits. Thank you ma for reminding us of the uneasiness of following the Cross and the advice therein. I am strengthened.
    Edith Ohaja
    Glory to God! Thanks for dropping by, Victor, and may the Lord keep your ink flowing too.
mamedogo
Beautiful. You have expressed it all. God bless you.
Nwachukwu Chidinma
It always a pleasure to visit your blog, Ma. I love this particular poem so much! It's so encouraging and motivating.. I pray we never lose our faith in God and his dear son Jesus Christ.. God bless you, Ma, for this wonderful piece.. Well done!!
    Edith Ohaja
    Thank you for your kind words, Chidimma! May God surround you with His favour always in Jesus' name.
Ama Aluu Geoffrey
I'm elevated...
    Edith Ohaja
    Amen. May God continue to take you higher in Jesus' name.
JOSEPH CHIZOBA KINGSLEY
Thanks mummy. I so much love the beautiful sensitization you have made in this poem; most especially line 2, 3 and 4 of stanza 5 which says "In spite of the billows, I am staunchly standing For temptations and trials I am befittingly suited And no matter the knocks, I am continually smiling." No matter the predicaments we may be experiencing, let's always bear in mind that our positive reward is waiting ahead for us.
    Edith Ohaja
    Yes oh! God never abandons those who put their trust in Him. Even in our hard times, He abides with us. May you feel His love and presence everyday of your life in Jesus' name.
Ejiofor Emmanuel
Thanks a lot, ma, for your words of encouragement. May the good Lord continue to bless you.
Anabude oluchi
Well said, ma. In most cases the journey is rough and discouraging, but God's everlasting grace keeps us going and reminds us that what we are working toward are the heavenly things and not earthly things.
OSSAI CHIDIMMA
May Gods grace always be sufficient for all of us
harmony33
We can get weary and tired if we continue to look at the temptations around us but when we look up to God who is the author and finisher of our faith, He will bring us to an expected end despite the troubles
Victor Nzubechi Abundance
Temptation and trials are part of what makes us who we are in Christ.. So we are still here and smiling..because we know what is ahead of us. Thanks ma for the write up
Chukwuneke Adaeze jennifer
Temptations will surely come so far we are on earth..but we should learn to look up to God always for solution as he is the creator and definer of our life..he would always be there for us .
Stephens Chinecherem Grace
I really love that poem. A believer's way is never smooth at all, what's in view is what keeps one going. Thanks for sharing ma!
Epunam obianuju
Although as a christian one should really focus on making heaven and also put Christ before every other thing, but we should not also forget that even our Bible tells us that giving is good and that tithing opens the flood gates of heaven. God also spoke through his word (the Bible) that we as his children should not come into his sanctuary empty handed, and he also said that we should put him to test and bring our offerings and tithes to his house and see if he would not open the windows for our sake and also rebuke every devourer. So I think tithing and giving bountifully is also as important as carrying our daily cross as christians
Victoria
Even the Bible made it clear to OK us that it is a narrow road. It is not an easy Journey. But with Christ, truly we will smile till the end.
CHINELOBI TREASURE OLUCHI
wow! the race is a very long journey but God's grace is sufficient
Isaac sopuruchi
Tribulations and trials must come but remember he cant give us a temptation we cant handle. Always put a smile on your face, cause God is bigger than all our problems..SHALOM
Anekwe Paschaline Chidera
Honestly, is not easy to stand firm in the Lord. I thank God whom by his mercy and grace, we overcome every trials and temptations. May his name be praised. Amen
Chidinma Abaraonye
As a Christian, I have encountered so much temptations and discouragements, but the word of God has kept me and His love has shielded me. God's grace is made available for us all, God said "My grace is sufficient for you"... Let's hold the fort as children of God for our Savior is coming.
Egbo Rita Somtochukwu
In whatever we face, in trials and tribulations, we should have it in mind that God knows about it all. We should carry our own cross diligently without any form of complaint. We should believe and still hope in God because He sees all and His time is d best.
Sophia
The Lord will never leave his people, in times of tribulations, been a Christian requires faith and Steadfastness
mirian ndawe
You're always smiling Aunty Edith, and that is the source of your beauty and youth but many people are yet to discover the secret of smiling. Keep smiling Ma, God bless you.
Ezidimma odinakachukwu oluchukwu
This poem is basically between Christ and believers. A believer's life is filled with trials and temptions coming here and there and because of this we should hold on to our faith and carry our cross without looking back...may God give us His grace to do so.
Ugwoke Benedeth
His grace will always keep us moving, just have faith and be steadfast. Thank you ma, for this wonderful piece of work. You are blessed
Obeta Lillian Chiamaka
A believer would always suffer persecution and go through trials but God cannot put you in a situation too much for you to handle. Lovely piece ma'am, may God continue to bless you
Nkwocha Chibueze Innocent
Some churches have made money the priority in their worship of Christ, we are to worship God in truth and in spirit not with wealth not that we won't sow seed for the church to grow but wealth shouldn't direct the affairs of the church
Ikebudu Juanita Chinenye
Temptation and trials would always arise but with Jesus we are safe
Ozukwe Mirian chisom
Yet another wonder one again. The second verse really got me, "that I should carry my cross in faithfulness" look up to him in terms trouble and temptation and accept what ever challenge that comes our way because accepting and overcoming our challenges at times makes us stronger.
Michael Ebuka Ogidi
In the midst of all trials and tribulations, I believe that his grace is sufficient for me.
joshua
scripture always are God's way for humanity to alwy overcome the devices of the devil
Okoloji kosisochukwu Vivian Okolo
Whosoever is in Christ Jesus is bound to endless joy, endless smile....... Truly tribulations and temptation will arise but we shall conquer all.
Eze Blessing Ada
What God says he will do, that he will do...... He said that whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting an everlasting life......... Indeed he will see us though trials and temptations.
Onyishi Paschaline Amarachi
The scripture gives us the direction of the right path to follow and we are not assured of a crossless Christianity, therefore, we should embrace the act of endurance and perseverance with strong faith in Christ Jesus. Thank you ma, it's a nice writeup
Ibe favour kalu
They said"if you give your money willingly, Christ will make you rich and you will be so cosey" Bible said" though I give my all, it should give him glory, to show my gratitude " The above Lines are wonderful, it made me go back on a memory lane:back at home, my friends do tell me to give fat offerings in church,that giving fat offerings will make God to make me rich. Giving to God shouldn't be because we are expecting something from him, but we should give because we are grateful for our lives today. Giving to God shouldn't only be about our wealth, giving should be inform of our motivation to serve him.
Ewenike Kaosisochukwu Bethel Pedro
Truly, the life of a believer is not an easy one as he is tempted and tossed by the golds of the world. But he who stands with Christ has everything
Ezeja talent c
Thank you for this inspirational poem. As a born again Christian we are faced with many temptation, trails which we conquer by Gods grace and makes us stronger in faith and closer to God. Giving to God doesn't mean we want something back from him, we give cause is from our heart to or cause we were lead to. God will help all born again Christians to always stand on their faith and never backslide in Jesus name.
Joana ushie
People often think once you become a believer, everything begins to work like a charm. Be informed even the believers faith Is tested. Thank you ma
Ajibe Chinonye
Serving God is the best thing that happened to me. It is not always a bed of roses because most times I have to give up somethings just for the sake of my faith because I know my love of God is bigger than anything else and his love for me is stronger than every other thing.
Nnamani Oluoma Esther
When you give your life to Christ, it doesn't just end there. Rather, it is where the work begins. Temptations from every side would come your way but with God by your side, you will overcome. Don't just see life after being born again as a bed of roses. You still have to keep the faith working and God in his infinite mercies will supply all your needs
Kat
You're really something aunty. To be able to weather all the storms and tribulations that come with serving christ and here you are, still smiling!, It's simply amazing. I was naive, thinking the walk would be smooth and easy. Just like you, I've been disillusioned. It takes so much more to keep going. Most times, I backslide but our ever loving father rekindles the fire inside me at every point when I am weak. I want to be as tough as you because this race is hard and I need to be in top form so that I can say too 'Still here and still smiling '🙂
Oma
The lord is truly your strength ma . I know your reward is not just on this earth but also in heaven.
Euphemia Nwele
I still ponder on how you manage to come up with things like this. I receive grace to write eloquently. The walk with Christ is one that needs grace to pull through with. I love the "abab" rhyme pattern you employed in writing this poem. Thank you ma
Abonyi chisom E
More strength to you ma💪. Serving God is not easy but i know that there is a great reward. I pray that God will give me the grace to live according to his will, To obey and serve him with joy 😊😊
Chinelobi Treasure Oluchi
No matter the knocks, I will not give up by His grace because there is so much in 'eternity's bag'
Amana Sharon Umola
This poem is very beautiful. Taking up our cross everyday and doing the will of the Father is not an easy one but like you said, we'll still be here and we'll still be smiling. God bless you ma.
Iroegbu Chinatu Amara
There is no Christianity without challenges for in the midst of temptations, our faith is built. Never give up for our efforts is not in vain. The Lord never leaves his people.
Arene Ifeyinwa Ketochukwu
Wonderful, I need posts like this every day to encourage me in this life. Despite tribulations or obstacles, we should always be joyful. It is the atmosphere of joy that keeps us strong every day.
Chukwuma Wilfred
As a Christian, temptation and trials are what build our faith in Christ the more, for as we triumph victorious, his glory shines and wax brighter. I believe, we as true believers (Christians), we have every reason to smile in Christ. So SMILE-ON ma.
Awaka vivian
Serving God is never easy, as the Bible tells us that as Christians and followers of Christ, we must carry our cross and follow him.
Ugama Gloria Nkechinyere
Smiling or been happy in the midst of challenges and temptation makes the devil weak and powerless over you. Why not put up a smiling face and let the devil be put to shame. Good one.
Dennis Lydia Ekperechukwu
Is in God we can find full joy and happiness. We can lack nothing if he is with us. We will continue smiling all the days of our lives if we can continue believing in Him.
Madueke ugochukwu
Marvellous .... Serving God takes a lot of sacrifices in life we shud strive to do that and recieve his blessings in return
Chinenye lucy
This days what is been preached about following christ makes following him look easy but the work with christ requires absolute committment .
Onu Tochukwu
So many men of God have changed the course of His words from spiritual prosperity to material prosperity. Though the material aspect is not to be neglected but also should not be the major emphasis.
Akuma Victor
To every Christian there's a cross, an alarming responsibility, lots of sacrifices, pains, tribulations, failures, challenges lack, the list is inexhaustible. The good thing however is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Nice post Ma
Nkwocha Chibueze Innocent
Being a Christian does not mean the absence of trials and temptation in short the day you become a believer that is when all the troubles would start coming your way but God has already told us that he is always with us, we are meant to face these challenges knowing that we have a price for it which is the kingdom of God, my prayer is that God will see us through
Afiadigwe Nnedinso Rita
Thank you Ma. This is really encouraging. Believers way are not always smooth and easy going but we have confident in the Lord that he will not give us any trials that is greater than us. In all situation, we are still here and smiling.
Ukwueze Oluchi B.
Nice Write up, Ma. In the Poem, I learnt that Christians should smile, not because temptations are not coming, but because through Christ, we are winning the battle. The Scripture, not what others say, should be a guiding principle.
moniquefloxy
This is an encouraging piece. Even though it seems trials and temptations are always coming to us, we should not as true Christians ever quiver nor give in to them. We may not get to have all the riches of this passing world but we will definitely be rewarded in the world to come. God never sleeps nor slumbers and he knows His true Children.
Uzor Victoria
When the sun’s shining and everything’s going our way, we don’t feel our need for God. But desperate times lead to desperate prayer. When we’re helpless to change our situation, we cry out to our Savior who delivers us from our distress.
Onoyima Juliet
We were told - oh it's a beautiful road So cool and cheesy Come give and have a nice aboard Your bed would be smooth and rosy But this where lies, to our faces truth untold The ride wasn't pleasant or easy But not withstanding I find truth and solace in the word With God by my side I wear a face smiley.

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