"Bear any illness bravely, and do not merely not become despondent, but on the contrary, rejoice, if you can, in your illness. You would ask me what there is for you to rejoice at when you are racked all over with pain? Rejoice that the Lord sent you this temporary chastisement in order to cleanse your soul from sins. (For whom the Lord loves he chastens -- Hebrews 12: 6). Rejoice in the fact that now you are not gratifying those passions which you would have gratified had you been in good health. Rejoice that you are bearing the cross of sickness, and that therefore, you are treading the narrow and sorrowful way leading to the Kingdom of Heaven." 

Consider Galatians 5: 16, which says: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh." 

Chastising me? Who wants that? But it can be used for good in my life, just as Saint Paul so eloquently says in Romans 8: 28, that all things work together for good to those who love God! 

In closing I'd like to quote an Elder named Pasios, who said, "When we think negatively we are giving the enemy (satan) a key to the front door of our heart and life." 

You know God is not pleased that we are suffering; He is pleased as we learn to live with patience through the experience, having faith that He is there to help us endure it. 

P.S. Hear what St. Anthony the Great said: "Any circumstance in which a person finds himself/herself unwillingly is a prison. So be content with whatever circumstances you may be in, lest, being ungrateful you punish yourself unwittingly." 

As long as I grumble, or am angry, or am having a "pity party," I am in my own prison. There you'll find no peace in your soul.