Sickness as blessing

Yes, you've read that title correctly. Yesterday evening I was reading a book entitled "Orthodox Afterlife," and the author provides several examples of how sicknesses or difficulties in this life can amount to a greater blessing in the life to come.

He even provides examples from holy people who have wished to get sick in order that it gives them a better position in heaven.

One example in particular that comes to mind is when he talks about two righteous people, and one of the righteous people has a sickness while the other does not. The righteous person that struggles more with their sickness gets more glory in the heavenly kingdom.