Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahuAllah mentions that Allah has made a struggle between two states of reliefs– one before and one after. A trail between two free states, and hardship between two eases. So there is no trail which is permanent. And there is no hardship which is permanent… And perhaps a slave looks at something and says it is a punishment but hidden in it is a blessing.
BIRKAH 
– If he/she is on a right path then he/she is being examined then stay patience – If he/she is stray then it is a punishment then repent – Yes in both situations outcome would be a blessings