They can challenge you like no other person can. This will be your true initiation. Interesting enough, while doing some quick research for this piece I ran across a reference to the peorth rune. Some of its meanings are secret, mystery and initiation. Its the 14th rune in the Elder Futhark.
Illness can be initiatory.
To explain this I will share part of my story. You see last year I had brain surgery. I'm a librarian, my brain is my tool. I can shift gear on myriads of topics, speak to all kinds of professionals on their levels, to provide them with the proper information to do their jobs. So, the last thing I need is someone fooling around up there in my head.