Hyder, Alaska is a strange town: a United States town that uses Canadian money and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for law enforcement. Even though you can only enter Hyder from Stewart, British Columbia, Canada, you need no passport to get in this sovereign US territory. Just to get out. And yes, it looked like a ghost town as Rich and I rode our bikes there on a foggy and drizzly morning. We saw none of the fourteen people who supposedly live there. But if you look carefully and expand the pic, you might see another biker at the gas station.
Why choose such a strange goal for a destination? I have a bit of an obsession to ride my motorcycle in all 50 states. I had bagged 46 at this point, even on vacation in Hawaii by taking a test ride at a cooperative Harley dealer. Just the summer before in Minnesota, we met some Pennsylvania bikers who mentioned that Hyder is the southernmost Alaska town you can ride to. Alaska was now on the agenda. And, Lord willing, I hope to score the last three this May: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Two takeaways: for fellow bikers, the 50 miles on 37A from Meziadin Junction in BC to Stewart has made my top 5 list. Glaciers and abundant waterfalls and a narrow canyon and grizzly and brown bears and more will tempt both bikers and car drivers. You’ll step back 40 years or more in some ways. Maybe close to the days of creation.
But more so, in following and serving Jesus, expect some strange and unexpected steps along the way. Paul began his letter to the Romans he eagerly wanted to visit them at the heart of the Roman Empire (Romans 1:15). But rather than booking Uber and an Airbnb, he received an all-expense paid trip—in chains, as a prisoner. On the luxury cruise a storm struck, ran the ship aground and tore it apart (Acts 27). They made it ashore, only to have a viper grab onto Paul’s hand and not let go.
A fine goal to extend the gospel, but strange and unexpected steps in getting there. I suspect God has similar journeys for us, that we must factor into our expectations. Expect unanticipated difficulties—"In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). But also expect God’s presence and strength and love—"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Kick Starting the Application
Think back to some strange places you’ve encountered, like the semi-ghost town of Hyder. Did you expect that? How did you respond to it? How did God reveal himself? What expectations might you have in thinking life is a fully luxury cruise? Have those expectations helped you? How can you craft more biblical expectations?