Why does the fact that it happens often mean that you deserve it, though?
Just curious. I don't happen to believe that any higher power is handing out hardships to us - it's pretty random as far as I can see. I'd love to believe Karma, but I don't. Some people have more hardship because they are poor or just unlucky, belong to a marginalized group, had a bad childhood, have addictions, et cetera. It is in NO WAY the fault of that individual.
It's not your fault. Life is not fair. But I do believe we can sometimes change our luck with the right attitude. But sometimes not - it just depends on the factors.