Day 30 — Renewed Day by Day

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

— 2 Corinthians 4:16 (BSB)

Here we are at the last day of this book, and the last day of the Daughters of the King series so far!

Paul wrote today’s verse after years of hard work, hardship and even beatings for following Jesus. His body was getting older and weaker. But he said: “We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

Our bodies grow up, and then someday they grow old. That’s part of life in this world. But the real you, your heart, your soul, the “inner self,” can keep growing stronger, brighter and more beautiful every single day, because God is renewing you.

That’s what these three books have been about.

In Book 1, you learned who you are: a daughter of the King, called by name, made on purpose, loved and delighted in. You learned to escape the comparison trap, to be a loyal friend and to follow the brave women of the Bible.

In Book 2, you learned to be brave: to face worry with God, to use your voice, to serve, to lead and to follow Jesus like the women who stayed with Him to the cross and the empty tomb.

And in Book 3, you learned about growing up: handling big feelings, understanding your changing body as God’s good design, making wise choices, discovering your calling, learning from older women, helping younger girls and finishing well.

Through it all, one truth stays the same: you are a daughter of the King. Your body will change. Your feelings will go up and down. Your friendships will come and go. Your dreams might shift. But your Father never changes, and His love for you never fades.

A true story: You met Mary Slessor in Book 1: the red-haired girl from the mill who rescued twin babies in Africa. Here’s how it all started. When Mary was a young girl working long hours in the mill, someone gave her stories about David Livingstone, a missionary who had traveled across Africa. Mary read them until she could almost see the rivers and forests. Those stories helped shape her dreams, and one day she went to Africa too. Someone else’s faithful life inspired a young girl to follow God. And then Mary spent her whole long life serving, and inspiring others. You can read her whole story, and David Livingstone’s, in Brave for God.

Think about it: Looking back over all three books, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned about being a daughter of the King?

Try this: Write a letter to your future self, maybe to open when you’re 18. Tell her who she is in God’s eyes, and what you hope she’ll remember.

Dear God, thank You for making me Your daughter. As I grow up, keep renewing my heart day by day. Help me never lose heart. Help me grow in wisdom, courage and love, and follow You my whole life, all the way home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.