Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

and here is the same verse from a different translation...

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

When the communications team started this blog, we wanted it to be a place where we could share information but also where as a class we could have a conversation -- a place where ideas are shared and in return our relationship with God and with each other becomes even stronger.

As we are going through this process of letting God transform us...what are the most difficult aspects of that process? What are the easiest? Why do we push away from God instead of letting him guide us through the transformation process?

Sometimes, I fear God's transformation just because I always assume that it means something bad (or something I perceive as "bad") has to happen in my life in order for that transformation to occur. For instance, you go through a hard time and someone says - God is using this to build your character or to strengthen you for something else in the future.

What are your thoughts on Romans 12:2?