The Comfort of Tribulation

After reading this quote I realize that I am not there yet and pray that someday I to will find comfort in my tribulation, but I also can't help but wonder how in the world could a seeker-friendly or a prosperity preacher ever fit this into a sermon?

"Those who are afflicted in many ways are not without refreshing comfort, for the know that by bearing the cross they are gathering many treasures for themselves. For while they willingly put themselves under the cross, all the burden of adversity is turned into confidence of future divine comfort. And the more the flesh is weakened by affliction, so much the more is the spirit strengthened by inward grace. Sometimes saints are so comforted in the desire for tribulation and adversity and love of conformity to the cross of Christ, that they do not wish to be without grief and tribulation." —Thomas a`Kempis (1380-1471)

Taken from The Imitation Of Christ by Thomas a`Kempis, p. 101