My family used to live in a tiny Florida town called Campbellton. It was one of those places that if you blinked, you might drive right through it without even realizing you had been there.
As a young girl, I couldn’t wait to leave.
There wasn’t much to do except work at our family’s little mom-and-pop store and vegetable stand. I pumped gas for travelers, sold fresh fruits and vegetables, and visited with tourists who were simply passing through on their way to somewhere else.
I can still remember the smell of Coppertone suntan lotion drifting from their cars as they headed to the beach. That familiar scent stirred something inside me. I dreamed that one day I would see the beach too.
Even now, whenever I smell Coppertone, I’m instantly taken back to that little store in Campbellton and those travelers just passing through.
The tourists also loved browsing through my dad’s collection of unusual treasures. Most people probably would have called it junk, but Dad saw value in every piece. As the saying goes, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”
Although I would never want to live there again, something happened in that little town that changed my life forever.
When I was twelve years old, my mom, dad, sister, and I were baptized together at First Baptist Church of Campbellton—the oldest Baptist church in Florida.
Every time I drive through Campbellton now, I remember the long hours of work, the endless stream of travelers, and the lessons God was quietly teaching me.
Those years weren’t easy. In fact, they were some of the hardest years of my childhood. Yet looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand at work.
He taught me how to work hard. He taught me how to talk with strangers, serve people with kindness, and find joy in simple things. Looking back, I realize He was preparing me for assignments I couldn’t yet imagine.
One memory still makes me smile.
A woman who called herself a gypsy stayed with our family for several days. She had one leg, her car was overflowing with everything she owned, and she carried the aroma of unfamiliar spices wherever she went.
To this day I still wonder what my parents were thinking!
She, too, was simply passing through.
As I reflect on all those people who came and went through our little town, I’m reminded that every one of us is doing the very same thing.
We are all just passing through.
The prophet Isaiah gives us this beautiful promise:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned… For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
—Isaiah 43:1-3
Notice that God doesn’t say if we pass through deep waters or fiery trials. He says when.
The promise isn’t that life will be easy.
The promise is that He will be with us as we pass through.
I once longed to be one of those tourists heading for the beach. Years later, God answered that childhood dream. He moved me to Panama City, where I’ve spent countless days enjoying the very beaches I once only imagined.
How gracious He has been.
But the greatest gift Campbellton ever gave me wasn’t learning to work or even seeing dreams fulfilled.
It was there, at twelve years old, that I met my Savior, Jesus Christ.
That little town was never meant to be my permanent home.
It was simply one of God’s stops along my journey.
Perhaps today you find yourself in a place you don’t enjoy. Maybe you’re walking through grief, illness, disappointment, or uncertainty. Or maybe life is wonderful right now.
Either way, remember this:
You are just passing through.
Life moves quickly. As the old saying goes, “Don’t blink.”
So don’t waste the season you’re in—even the difficult ones. God does some of His greatest work while we’re passing through the valleys, crossing the rivers, or walking through the fire.
One day every believer will arrive at the place that truly is home.
Until then, enjoy the journey, trust your Guide, and keep your eyes on Jesus.
Better things are still ahead.
Prayer
Wonderful Savior,
Thank You for reminding us that this world is not our final home. We are only passing through, and You have promised to walk beside us every step of the journey.
Whether we are passing through calm waters or raging storms, seasons of joy or seasons of sorrow, help us trust that You are with us. Teach us to treasure the lessons You are shaping within us and to keep our eyes fixed on our eternal home.
Help us not to blink and miss the blessings You have placed along the way. May we live each day fully, love others deeply, and follow You faithfully until the day we see You face to face.
In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen
