Suffering Coming Upon the Body

The Gemara teaches that one who sees suffering coming upon him should examine his deeds, and if he finds nothing, he should attribute it to neglect of Torah study. Rav Sholom Shachna asked three questions. Why does it say that suffering is coming upon him, rather than that he is suffering? How could his examination find nothing, when no one is free of sin? And why is the cause bitul Torah, as though it were no sin at all, when everyone knows it is among the gravest? He explained that one must usually accept suffering with love, but physical suffering keeps a person from learning Torah, davening and serving Hashem. So when suffering comes upon his body, a person should search his deeds for some merit with which to pray for salvation. If he finds none, his salvation rests on the fact that illness will force him to neglect his learning. He should then pray, "Master of the Universe, if I must suffer illness, I cannot serve You. Better that You heal me so that I can serve You properly."