We know the Lord allows circumstances in our lives that are the framework within which we must exist and give him the glory due to his name.
For most people, the framework is not too difficult to deal with as life has many blessings, but for others it is a painful cross to bear.
Joni Eareckson Tada saw her wheelchair as the picture frame in which she existed as a quadriplegic; though not close to a comparison, I see my Christian single parent status with responsibilities for five children, two professional jobs over six days a week and a home to run with limited back-up, as mine. Our sufferings are unique to each of us according to our personalities, characters and physical strength; it is the sense of living through something extremely painful with someone or something or an ideal dearly held that is lost, yet holding onto the Lord for daily strength, peace and joy through it all.