Why does God allow suffering?
After 30 years as a Toronto police officer investigating crime, gangs, abuse, violence, and human suffering, Deacon George Yorenas has seen some of the darkest realities of human life.
Yet through pain, tragedy, illness, and even his own battle with cancer and heart problems, he discovered something powerful: suffering does not mean God has abandoned us.
In this deeply moving episode of the Spiritual Warfare Podcast, Deacon George explains how faith, prayer, hope, and love help people endure suffering, overcome fear, and find peace even in life’s darkest moments.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- Suffering is often connected to the brokenness of the world and human sin.
- God does not abandon people in suffering.
- Faith gives strength during pain, fear, illness, and uncertainty.
- Love and support help people survive difficult trials.
- Some of the strongest and holiest people are those who suffered deeply.
- Fear loses power when we place our lives in God’s hands.
What 30 Years in Policing Revealed About Human Suffering
During his career with the Toronto Police Service, Deacon George worked in undercover operations, youth gangs, child abuse investigations, sexual assault investigations, and countless difficult situations involving violence and suffering.
After decades of witnessing brokenness in society, one truth became very clear:
Human beings often create suffering for themselves and others through sin, selfishness, addiction, violence, and pride.
Yet Deacon George also witnessed something else: many people who suffered greatly eventually became some of the strongest, most compassionate, and most faithful individuals he had ever met.
“Those who suffered so much are usually the ones who gained so much.”
Why God Allows Suffering
One of the central themes of this Catholic spiritual warfare episode is understanding suffering through faith.
Deacon George explains that God does not delight in pain or suffering. Instead, God helps people pass through suffering and draw strength from it.
Just as loving parents sometimes allow children to struggle in order to grow stronger, God sometimes allows human beings to face hardship so they can mature spiritually.
He references the wisdom of C.S. Lewis:
“If you carry a child forever, the child never learns to walk.”
This does not mean suffering is easy. But it does mean suffering can produce humility, compassion, wisdom, strength, and deeper faith.
Faith Gives Strength During Suffering
Deacon George shares powerful stories from his parents, who survived World War II in Lithuania and relied on prayer and faith while fleeing violence, war, and death.
His father escaped both Nazi and Soviet forces during the war and survived through prayer and perseverance.
These experiences taught him that faith is not merely an emotion. Faith becomes strength when everything else collapses.
He later discovered the same truth in his own life while battling cancer and enduring multiple surgeries.
How Suffering Changed His Family
In one of the most emotional moments of the episode, Deacon George reflects on how suffering unexpectedly revealed the strength and love hidden within his family.
After cancer surgeries left him weak and dependent on others, one of his daughters — the one he worried about most — became the strongest source of support and care.
This experience changed his understanding of both suffering and grace.
“We have no idea of the potential that exists in other people until we see it.”
Sometimes suffering reveals hidden goodness, hidden courage, and hidden love.
Can Good Come from Suffering?
According to Deacon George, one of the greatest mysteries of Christianity is that God can bring good even from painful situations.
He witnessed this repeatedly while working as a police officer.
Former gang members became mentors helping young people avoid violence. Former addicts became faithful Christians helping others recover from addiction. Broken people became instruments of healing.
This does not justify evil or suffering, but it reveals God’s ability to transform lives.
Fear, Illness, and Trust in God
Deacon George also shares a deeply personal story about suffering a heart attack while trapped on an island during a storm with no immediate medical help available.
At first he experienced fear. But eventually, he surrendered the situation to God.
“Lord, I’ve always been in Your hands.”
That surrender brought peace.
As a hospital chaplain ministering to cancer patients, palliative care patients, and the dying, he has witnessed this same peace countless times among people of deep faith.
Those who trust God often experience remarkable calm even in suffering and near death.
Why Hope Matters in Spiritual Warfare
One of the strongest messages in this episode is the importance of hope.
Fear can paralyze the soul. Hope gives strength to continue.
Deacon George explains that people surrounded by:
- Faith
- Love
- Prayer
- Support
- Community
often endure suffering far better than those who face it alone.
Hope becomes a spiritual weapon against despair.
Depression, Mental Health, and Asking for Help
Deacon George also speaks honestly about depression, emotional exhaustion, and mental health struggles.
He explains that even strong and high-functioning people can experience deep discouragement and emotional suffering.
One of the most important lessons he shares is that asking for help is not weakness.
Faith and prayer are essential, but seeking support, counseling, treatment, or medication when needed can also be part of healing.
Healing often begins when people stop pretending they are fine and finally admit they need help.
The Importance of Faith in the Family
Throughout the episode, Deacon George repeatedly emphasizes the importance of faith within family life.
He explains that children may drift away from religion temporarily, but parents should not lose hope.
Faithful example, prayer, patience, and love can have enormous long-term impact.
He points to the story of St. Monica and St. Augustine as proof that God can completely transform lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suffering and Faith
Why does God allow suffering?
God allows human freedom and does not remove every hardship from life. However, He can bring spiritual growth, healing, and good even from suffering.
Can suffering strengthen faith?
Yes. Many people discover deeper faith, humility, compassion, and dependence on God through suffering.
How can faith help during illness or fear?
Faith provides hope, peace, meaning, and trust in God during moments of uncertainty and suffering.
What helps people endure suffering?
Prayer, love, faith, family support, community, and hope all help people endure difficult moments.
Can suffering reveal hidden goodness in people?
According to Deacon George, suffering often reveals courage, compassion, sacrifice, and love that might otherwise remain hidden.
Final Reflection
Suffering is one of the greatest mysteries of human life.
But this episode reminds us that suffering does not have the final word.
Faith, hope, prayer, love, and trust in God can transform even the darkest moments into opportunities for grace, healing, strength, and peace.
After 30 years as a police officer and years ministering to the sick and dying, Deacon George Yorenas offers a message the modern world desperately needs:
“Do not be afraid.”
