From The Prologue of Ohrid, February 9th:

St. Peter Damascene writes thus about the general and particular gifts of God:

"The general gifts consist of the four elements and all that results from them, all the wonderful and awesome works of God outlined in Holy Scripture.

"The particular gifts are those gifts which God bestows upon every man individually, whether it be:

• riches for the sake of charity
  • or poverty for the sake of patience with humility
• authority for the sake of justice and the strengthening of virtues,
  • or subjugation and slavery for the sake of the expeditious salvation of the soul
• health for the sake of helping the infirm
  • or illness for the sake of the wreath of patience
• understanding and skill in gaining wealth for the sake of virtue
  • or weakness and lack of skill for the sake of submissive humility

"Even though they appear contrary to one another, all these are very good according to their purpose."

In conclusion, St. Peter Damascene says that we are obligated to give thanks to God for all gifts, and that with patience and hope we are to endure all tribulations and evil circumsatances. For all that God gives us, or permits to befall us, benefits our salvation.