HEY MIKE! Sometimes I think less of myself because of how I look. I know that God doesn't care about these kinds of things, and He created me this way for a reason. However, I feel as if I don’t fit in or people really don’t want to be close to me because I'm not much to look at. I know these feelings are wrong, but it has just been hard to get them out of my head. How can I gain more confidence?
—J.V., New Jersey
First, I want you to understand something: God cares very much about this struggle. True, He doesn’t want any of us to obsess over our appearance, but He also doesn’t want us to feel down about ourselves.
Second, let me remind you of two things: (1) You were created by the one-and-only God Almighty, the God of the universe, and He never makes mistakes. (2) It’s important that you learn to anchor your confidence in Christ and the one-of-a-kind young man He wants you to be.
OK, now for a few facts and a thought or two on what you can do.
Your body is the product of both genetics (which you can’t alter) and lifestyle (which you can). While you can’t work yourself into any body configuration you choose, every teen guy has many more options than he realizes. Inbred limitations can’t be totally overcome, but they can definitely be toned down: Even the average person can sculpt a better body from his particular genetic clay. But it takes some dedication.
By working out and getting some exercise on a daily basis, you can build up your body. The fact is, God designed your body to work hard, to be strong and fit. If you choose to work out and get any kind of exercise, you’re doing a great thing for yourself. The results will come if you stick with it. That’s a fact. 
