"Excited about Being Uncomfortable"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the best sports franchises, but they have struggled at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired.

The Steelers knew who their franchise quarterback was for many years and never had to worry about it. However, now there is a high level of uncertainty about whether or not they have someone who can lead them back to the Super Bowl…or even get them their first playoff win after a seven-year drought. During the offseason, they acquired the veteran Russell Wilson and the versatile Justin Fields, hoping that one will emerge as the quarterback they've been looking for. The team has also struggled with offensive coordinators and playcalling. They changed that role by hiring former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as the new OC. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin describes his excitement about working with Smith by saying, "I'm just excited about being uncomfortable. I think there's growth in that. Whether it's individuals or collective, it's good to be on edge. It's good to have that anxiety or that urgency that's associated with not knowing. And so, that's the benefit that you get sometimes when you bring in someone new." It seems ridiculous that Tomlin embraces being uncomfortable with the uncertainty at the quarterback position and a new offensive coordinator, but I appreciate his perspective and excitement. We, too, can find ourselves in seasons of discomfort. Maybe life was going comfortably well with a clear direction at "quarterback." Then, confusion and uncertainty hit, and now we don’t know what to do next. Despite having different options in front of us, it can be scary not having the answer yet. However, as followers of Jesus, I think we can be "excited about being uncomfortable" because it draws us toward God for comfort, which then serves as a reminder of His love and goodness. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 1 Peter 1:6 (NLT) tells us, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while." Seasons of uncertainty and discomfort also provide opportunities to seek God's guidance toward a new direction as we embrace the change that is taking place. Being uncomfortable can be exciting as it allows us to deepen our faith while trusting and waiting for Him to reveal what's next. James 1:2-3 (AMP) challenges us: "Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith produces endurance ." Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) explains, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." Today, let's choose excitement and joy during the challenging and scary seasons of discomfort and trust God as He guides us through our uncertainty into clarity. I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for comforting me in my discomfort. I know these seasons can be good and fruitful as You transform me and open new doors. I pray I'll choose excitement and joy during trials and uncertainty. I know You're good and worthy of being trusted. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.