Nevertheless

This poem is the result of a challenge, which led to an inspiration.  A dear friend asked if I would pen a poem using this word as it was a favorite of hers.  I told her I would try, but in all honesty, I didn’t foresee the emergence of a poem from such a word.  But, as with the word whatever, God showed me the wealth within this word and then…oh my goodness…how could I not write about its worth?  I hope this poem reveals the power and humility wrapped up in such a seemingly simple word…not unlike the way power and humility were once wrapped up in The seemingly simple Word.

Nevertheless

 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me–nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”  – Luke 22:42

 

“Nevertheless,” His words rang out,

To Father from the Son;

“Nevertheless, not what I will,

But what You will be done.”

 

“Nevertheless, I’ll drink this cup,

It’s what I came to do.

Though it will be a bitter drink,

My sup will man rescue.”

 

“Though some will scorn this empty glass,

And choose to drink their own;

Nevertheless, I’ll down each drop,

And for man’s sin atone.”

 

“For man I came, for man I’ll drink,

His pathway to secure;

Nevertheless, for Your name’s sake,

This cup I will endure.”

 

“’Nevertheless,’ skeptics may voice,

‘What did You drink for me?’;

Sin’s curse, death’s hold, God’s judgment – all,

I drank your victory.”

 

“’Nevertheless,’ they still may ask,

‘Why did You drink for me?’;

To show My love…to take you home,

To My eternity.”

 

“’Nevertheless,’ I pray they cry,

‘Thy will, oh LORD, be done.

As You have done this all for me,

May my will be undone.’”

 

“May they look up, and then look out,

Your truth may they confess;

And when life serves a bitter cup,

Respond with, ‘Nevertheless.’”

  

“’Nevertheless, it’s not my will,

That matters most of all;

Nevertheless, because You drank,

In this I will not fall.’”

 

“’Nevertheless, You’ll be with me,

When from this cup I drink;

That Your name I may magnify,

And all my doubtings shrink.’”

 

“So, Father, as I do Your will,

With this word – nevertheless;

May it an anthem come to be

That man may do no less.”

 

“Despite their yearnings, doubts, and fears,

May Your will they express;

And with these words, Your plans accept,

‘Yes, LORD…nevertheless.’”

Author: Kris Smith

I live in West Tennessee with my husband of nearly 30 years and our two boys, ages 20 and 17. My love is education...specifically Christian education. For the past twenty years, I have served as a teacher and also principal. Now, however, I find myself in a new season...a quieter season...a difficult season. What I have done full throttle for the past two decades, I am no longer doing. As I adapt to this adjustment and seek the path God is clearing for me, I find myself wanting to share what God is teaching me with others. And so, here I am. Listening and learning from the Master Teacher Himself. I hope the lessons He teaches me are applicable to you as well.

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