RENEW YOUR MIND by Nate Miller In His Wakes is about to kick off its 2017 A Day to Remember tour. This will mark the ministry’s fifteenth year of bringing victory, hope, and purpose to at-risk youth across the nation through the avenue of water sports. It will be our family’s eleventh year directing the ministry’s events. Without a doubt, we’ve witnessed God’s provision and hand of protection as we’ve traveled tens of thousands of miles to host hundreds of events. It’s been an amazing journey, but it hasn’t been without challenges. It just always seems there’s one thing after another, trying to stop us in our tracks. This year was no different—we didn’t even get on the road before we were knee deep in mud. I was pulling the motor home out of storage to prepare it for the season when our 40,000 pound “rolling house” sank deep into the soft ground. The wheels spun in the mud as I pressed on the accelerator. Frustrated, I turned my attention to the ministry’s Ski Nautique boat. I pulled the boat cover off and, for the first time ever, there was mildew. We live in dry central Oregon, so this was not expected. Often, people think we live a glamorous, rockstar lifestyle. After all, we roll through the country going from one event to the next in a beautiful motor home, pulling an incredible boat. We even get to spend our days teaching kids to water-ski. I suppose I would think the same thing at first glance. But the truth is, there is little glamour to the job. I actually feel more like a “roadie” as I set up events, drive for long hours, and stay covered in grease, oil, and dirt. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do…but it’s not always easy climbing into the motor home to head down the road for the next event, knowing there will be hard work ahead and possible trials. It’s only through a continual renewing of my mind and a constant reminding of myself that I can only do this through the power of the Holy Spirit that I am able to keep moving forward. My wife and co-roadie, Ivy, has to do the same. According to Romans 12:2, when I renew my mind, God transforms me. He actually makes me into a new person as I change the way I think. I also come to better understand God’s will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. I don’t know about you, but when I’m covered in mud and growing more frustrated by the minute, I need new thoughts. I need to become a new man. Renewing my mind only happens when I make a conscious choice to fill my mind with God’s proclamations and use His truth to drive away any negative thoughts. There are scriptures for every circumstance we encounter in life. Google “God’s proclamations,” and you’ll see it’s true! It won’t always be easy, but as you find those scriptures, meditate on them, and pray them over your life, you’ll find you’ll have the strength to face all sorts of things. When the motor home is stuck or its sewage pump blows or the boat is covered in mildew, deliberately staying thankful helps me renew my mind. Surrounding myself with other believers who value the Word of God helps too. I have a choice: I can set my mind on the lies of the enemy and become overwhelmed by trying Nate Miller, director of In His Wakes, helps thousands of youth get off the dock and experience victory through the partnership of hundreds of volunteers and donors. The In His Wakes teams—Team Miller and Team Durham—are loaded up and headed out for IHW’s fifteenth season of bringing victory, hope, and purpose to at-risk youth through the avenue of water sports. If you are interested in learning more about this unique and powerful outreach, visit inhiswakes.com. 14 kojministries.org Issue 2 2017 photography by Geri Simpkins
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