The gauge to determine whether a favour is a blessing or a trial

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:

If a person makes shukr to Allah Ta‘ala for the favours he enjoys (and he utilizes the favours in the obedience of Allah Ta‘ala), then this is a sign that the favours he enjoys are a blessing from the side of Allah Ta‘ala upon him (which will be a means for his progress). However, if he does not make shukr to Allah Ta‘ala for the favours, and the favours cause him to fall into negligence and forget Allah Ta‘ala, then this is a sign that the favours he enjoys are a trial and test from the side of Allah Ta‘ala upon him.

(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 14/131)