A Voice from the Past - Thomas a-Kempis

It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner, and may not put his trust in any worldly thing.

Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, First Book, Chapter XII (translated by Rev. William Bentham, 1999, from Project Gutenberg).

Is this indeed a benefit of adversity for the believer? How does this come about?