Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Scripture: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

This week has been about climbing our mountain—the inner transformation that begins with understanding who we are and why we’ve been stuck.

We’ve explored how our self-concept has been shaped, often by forces outside of our control. We’ve named the lies we carry about ourselves and the invisible barriers holding us back. We’ve confronted the upper limits we unconsciously set on joy and success. We’ve stood at the crossroads of pain and decided, Never again will I let myself feel this way.

But transformation doesn’t stop at those moments of realization. The real work begins in the messy middle.

The Messy Middle

The middle is the hardest part of the climb. It’s where the adrenaline of starting fades and the summit still feels impossibly far away. It’s where we question if the work is worth it, if we’re strong enough to keep going.

Brianna Wiest describes transformation as reconciling two parts of ourselves: the conscious mind that knows what we want and the unconscious self that clings to safety. Discomfort arises because these two parts are at odds. The old self wants to retreat to what’s familiar, while the new self urges us forward into the unknown.

Which self is stronger?

I’ve been there—standing in the messy middle, wondering if I should keep climbing or turn back. Richard Rohr describes this as the falling apart of the false self. “Transformation takes place when we allow our egoic worldview to fall apart.”

The false self doesn’t give up easily. It clings to the old stories, the familiar patterns, the lies that kept us stuck.

But letting go of the old is how we make room for the new.

The Gift of Discomfort

Discomfort is the refining fire of transformation. It burns away what no longer serves us and reveals the truth of who we are becoming. Rohr calls this “necessary suffering,” and Wiest agrees, describing it as the pain of releasing what isn’t aligned with our highest selves.

This is the space where God does holy work. It’s uncomfortable because it’s unfamiliar, but that discomfort is the sign that growth is happening.

2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us that we are being transformed “with ever-increasing glory.” Not all at once, but step by step. The messy middle is where God shapes us, teaching us to trust the process even when we can’t yet see the summit.

Rohr reminds us, “We grow spiritually much more by doing it wrong than by doing it right.”

So don’t be afraid to climb.

The fall doesn’t define us.

The climb does.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Where in your life are you feeling discomfort? How might it be a sign of transformation?
  2. How can you stay faithful to the process, even when it feels messy?
  3. What have you learned this week about the person you’re becoming?

Prayer:
God of transformation, thank you for walking with me through the messy middle. When discomfort feels overwhelming, remind me that it’s part of the process. Help me to let go of what no longer serves me and to trust in your work within me. Teach me to stay faithful to the climb, knowing that you are leading me toward ever-increasing glory. Amen.

Action Step:
Reflect on the journey you’ve taken this week. Write down one area where you’ve seen growth or clarity. Commit to one small action that will help you stay faithful to the process of becoming.

Closing Thought:
Becoming isn’t neat or easy, but it’s worth it. The work we’ve done this week—naming our self-concept, releasing our lies, breaking through limits, and deciding to move forward—is the foundation of transformation. The climb continues, and in every step, God is with you, shaping you into something new. Trust the process.