Day 7 — Built by God

“You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.”

— Job 10:11 (BSB)

This week, we’re going to talk about something every guy goes through: the way your body changes as you grow from a boy into a man. It’s called puberty.

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

But listen to Job. He was talking to God about how his body was made: “You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.” (Sinews are the tough cords that connect your muscles to your bones.)

Job knew his body wasn’t an accident. God built it, piece by piece, like a master craftsman. And that’s true of you too. God designed every part of your body, including the way it grows and changes.

Puberty is the time when a boy’s body slowly begins to change into a man’s body. For most boys, it starts somewhere between about ages 9 and 14, and it happens gradually over several years. Boys often start a little later than girls. Some guys start early, some start late. Both are normal. Your body has its own timing, and God set that clock.

During puberty, lots of changes happen:

• You grow taller, sometimes really fast, and your muscles get stronger.
• Your voice gets deeper.
• Hair grows in new places, including your face.
• Your private parts grow and change.
• You sweat more, and your skin gets 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 building you into a man.

Here’s one of the most important things to remember: nothing about how God designed your body is shameful or gross. You never need to feel embarrassed to ask questions about it. And don’t trust everything you hear from other kids or see online. A lot of it is wrong. Get your answers from your parents.

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

Try this: Ask your dad (or another man you trust), “What was growing up like for you?” Tell him you’d like to talk about the changes that come with puberty.

Dear God, thank You for building my body so carefully, piece by piece. Help me see the changes of growing up as part of Your good design. Help me not to be embarrassed or afraid, and help me talk to my parents when I have questions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.