Day 7 — Your Body, God’s Design

“My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”

— Psalm 139:15 (BSB)

This week, we’re going to talk about something every girl goes through: the way your body changes as you grow up. It’s called puberty.

Maybe you’ve already noticed some changes. Maybe your friends have, and you’re wondering when it’ll happen to you. Maybe you’ve heard things that made you nervous or confused. Maybe you’d rather skip this part completely!

But here’s the truth: your body is God’s design. David wrote that God knew his “frame,” his body, even before he was born. God “wove” him together, like someone weaving a beautiful piece of cloth. That’s true of you too. God planned every part of your body, including the way it grows and changes.

Puberty is the time when a girl’s body slowly begins to change into a young woman’s body. It usually starts somewhere between about ages 8 and 13, and it happens gradually over several years. Some girls start earlier, and some start later. Both are normal. Your body has its own timing, and God set that clock.

During puberty, lots of changes happen:

• You grow taller, sometimes very quickly.
• Your body shape changes.
• Your chest begins to develop.
• Hair grows in new places.
• You’ll get your first period.
• Your skin and hair might get oilier.
• Your feelings might go up and down more.

Over the next few days, we’ll talk about each of these. It might feel a little awkward, and that’s okay! Awkward doesn’t mean bad. These changes are good, healthy and normal. They’re God’s way of growing you from a girl into a woman.

Here’s one of the most important things to remember: nothing about how God designed your body is shameful or dirty. You never need to feel embarrassed to ask questions about it.

Some girls feel excited about growing up. Some feel nervous. Some wish they could stay little forever. All of those feelings are normal too. Whatever you feel, God is with you through every change.

Think about it: How do you feel about growing up and your body changing? Excited, nervous, confused, or a little of everything?

Try this: This week, ask your mom (or another woman you trust), “What was growing up like for you?” Tell her you’d like to talk about the changes that come with puberty.

Dear God, thank You for designing my body so carefully, and for knowing me before I was born. Help me see the changes of growing up as part of Your good plan. Help me not to be afraid or ashamed, and help me talk to the women who love me when I have questions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.