In this life we are plagued with infirmity and disease. They weigh us down, they crush us. I believe that if God were speaking to us, he would say, “Submit to the doctor’s knife!” Just think of the things we suffer from human doctors! They immobilize us in splints, lance our wounds, and then purify them with fire. Because the doctor promises possible health we not only endure painful surgery; we beg for it. This being the case, don’t you think that you are being cured of your spiritual illness when you suffer hardship in this life? Don’t you believe the words of Scripture: “In fire gold is tested and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation” (Sirach 2:5)? So put up with what the Divine Doctor applies to the patient when he acts like a goldsmith applying fire to the gold being refined.

—Sermon 23B.11

Much as I hate to admit it, I think Augustine is right here. The times in my life that have most profoundly changed me and helped me grow were not the good times, but rather the adverse ones. What about you? Has that been your experience as well?