Just as a pearl faces many irritants to become beautiful, God uses uncomfortable situations to mold and shape us. Isaiah 64:8 says God is the potter and we are the clay. One of the ways God shapes us is by allowing us to be in situations where we’re uncomfortable. This pressure brings to light impurities in our character - pride, selfishness, being critical and easily offended - that need to leave our lives so we can move forward into His blessings.