Day 21 – God Already Had the Answer

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

The steady sound of rain drummed on the roof of the truck camper throughout the night. By morning, everything outside was cool, damp, and wrapped in the fresh scent that only a good rainfall can bring. We were thankful to be warm and dry inside the camper that our friend Mark has so graciously opened to us this week.

Today wasn’t a riding day, and for that I was especially grateful. The weather made it the perfect day to slow down, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, make breakfast together, and simply be still for a while. Sometimes God reminds us that not every day is about covering miles. Some days are meant for preparing us for what lies ahead.

After breakfast, I settled in with my laptop to continue editing another video for our Wrights On A Mission YouTube channel while Melvin began making phone calls in search of replacement parts for his Honda Africa Twin.

After stopping at a repair shop a couple of days ago, the mysterious noise we had been hearing was finally diagnosed as a badly worn rear sprocket. We believe it wore out prematurely after the rear axle loosened sometime after new tires had been installed before we left New York. Now we faced a new challenge.

Every phone call seemed to end the same way.

“We can order it, but it will take about two weeks to get to Alaska.”

Two weeks wasn’t an option. We have a ferry reservation leaving Haines, Alaska, and missing it would completely change the remainder of our 66-day journey.

With every “no,” discouragement tried to creep in. It truly felt like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Yet God gently reminded us that He already knew where the needle was.

So we stopped worrying and started praying.

The next motorcycle shop couldn’t help us directly, but they searched their inventory network and found a dealership in Huntington, California that supposedly had the sprocket we needed. Hope began to rise again.

Melvin called immediately.

“Sorry…we don’t have that part in stock.”

Our hearts sank.

Before ending the call, however, the employee kindly read Melvin the part number he was searching. That’s when we realized something wasn’t right—it wasn’t even the correct part number for our bike!

Melvin gave him the correct number.

The man paused.

“Oh! I’m looking at the wrong motorcycle model. Let me check again.”

A few moments later he came back on the phone.

“Yes! We have the rear sprocket…and we have the chain too!”

What a moment of relief!

We didn’t hesitate. Overnight shipping by FedEx was expensive, but it was our only option. We gladly paid it, trusting that God had already opened this door for a reason. If everything goes as planned, the parts will arrive at Mark’s house in North Pole on Saturday—and we leave Sunday morning.

What had seemed impossible only moments before suddenly became possible.

How often do we do that in life? We exhaust every option, become discouraged by closed doors, and only then remember to place it fully in God’s hands. Yet Scripture reminds us:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

God doesn’t always remove the obstacle immediately, but He faithfully walks with us through it. Sometimes His answer comes in ways we never would have expected. Our responsibility is simply to trust Him one step at a time.

With grateful hearts and much lighter spirits, we enjoyed lunch using up some leftovers before Melvin borrowed my faithful BMW 750GS—better known as Gracie—to run into town for the tools he would need to complete the repairs once the new parts arrive.

While he was away, I continued editing another video.

By late afternoon the skies finally began to clear, another gentle reminder that storms never last forever.

When Melvin returned, he gave Gracie a little attention as well. He changed the engine oil and filter, adjusted and lubricated the chain, and gave everything a thorough inspection. She’s now ready for another 5,000 miles of adventure, Lord willing.

But as we’ve discovered over and over again on this journey, the greatest adventures aren’t always found on the highways—they’re found in the conversations God arranges.

At Denali Industrial Supply, Melvin struck up a conversation with an employee who had long curly hair and a love for motorcycles. Before long, they were talking about faith and joking about what kind of motorcycle Jesus might ride.

The conversation became much deeper when the man shared how difficult it had been to put down his favorite mare. The loss hurt so deeply that he decided he could never own horses again. He told Melvin how peaceful life had always been around his horses.

Then he smiled and quietly said something beautiful.

“I still have that peace now. Jesus is the peace.”

What an incredible testimony. True peace isn’t found in circumstances, possessions, or even the things we love most. Real peace is found in Christ alone.

Later, while waiting in line at another store, a man noticed Gracie parked outside and asked Melvin if it was his motorcycle. He invited him outside just to talk about it. Once again, what began as a conversation about motorcycles naturally opened the door to building a friendship and sharing faith.

We continue to see that motorcycles aren’t simply our mode of transportation—they are tools God is using to introduce us to people we likely never would have met otherwise. Friendship evangelism often begins with something as simple as a shared interest before God opens the door for a much deeper conversation.

Mark arrived home shortly after 6:00 p.m., and the three of us headed to McDonald’s for coffee, ice cream sundaes, and, for me, some much-appreciated free Wi‑Fi so I could finally upload today’s video.

While we were relaxing there, our friend Ken—the same friend who had treated us to dinner a few nights ago—called with an unexpected invitation.

“Would you like to come gold mining on my property tomorrow?”

Of course we said yes!

Tomorrow we’ll be up bright and early to meet him at 9:00 a.m. and experience another piece of authentic Alaska that few visitors ever get to see.

Before we knew it, it was already 9:00 p.m. The Alaskan summer still had the sky glowing with daylight, making it incredibly easy to lose track of time.

As we headed back to the truck camper, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this day had unfolded.

It wasn’t filled with breathtaking mountain passes or hundreds of miles on the motorcycles.

Instead, it was filled with waiting… praying… trusting… and watching God faithfully provide.

Before we turned in for the night, Mark, Melvin, and I gathered around a campfire outside the camper. The evening air was cool, but the fire brought warmth as we sat together talking about the Alaskan way of life, the beauty and ruggedness of this land, and the blessings God has placed before us on this journey.

Our conversation naturally turned toward our shared passion for faith and fellowship. There was something peaceful and sacred about sitting there beneath the lingering Alaskan light, listening to the crackling fire and sharing stories of how God has been faithful in each of our lives.

Those quiet campfire moments reminded me that fellowship is one of God’s sweetest gifts. Sometimes the richest part of the journey is not found in the miles traveled, but in the hearts we connect with along the way.

Sometimes the greatest miracles happen in ordinary days.

When we surrender our worries to Him, He reminds us that He has been working behind the scenes all along.

No matter what challenge you may be facing today, remember this promise:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6

Today was another beautiful reminder that God is just as present in the garage as He is on the open road, just as faithful in the delays as He is in the destinations. Every mile, every conversation, every challenge, and every answered prayer continues to point us to His goodness.

Until tomorrow… God bless.