Dear Editor,

Our nation and the world is under a terrible plague at the moment.

We face possibly the worst pandemic since 1918. We are uncertain of what will happen to us and our loved ones.

This is an unseen enemy and tonight my wife reminded me that there is one whose evil is even greater than this disease.

In the book of Ephesians 6:12 we find the following verse. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Regardless of wherever this virus started, the true author of human suffering is Satan.

He has led mankind into all types of sin.

All you have to do is read Romans 1:18-32 and you can see a pretty comprehensive list of them that we practice daily.

You can’t see Satan. You can’t smell him.

You can’t anticipate him.

But like this virus he is everywhere and is causing untold human suffering.

But I want to give you hope. In Romans 16:20 we find the following verse.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

If you believe that God sent His only begotten son to die for your sin what fear should you have?

Satan can make our lives a misery but he has no control over your eternity. You choose whether to serve the one who died on the cross and resurrects His believers or you follow this pretender of the true God into eternal punishment. God gave Satan and his demons free choice.

He does the same with you. Look I know you’re scared. None of us know where this virus is going to take this country, our jobs, our family. But let me tell you about my friend. He was like a brother to me. I knew him for over 30 years. We could finish each other’s sentences. If he would have come to me and wanted to borrow the keys to my car or money…I would have given it to him. Why? Because I trusted him. If I can trust a mortal man that much than why can’t I trust my eternal savior for my salvation and so much more. Maybe this virus will drive you to your knees in prayer. Maybe it will have you open your Bible and study the real truth of life. Maybe it will get you out of your comfort zone and you will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. And maybe, just maybe, it will cause you to repent of your sin. Just remember this… “We know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to his purpose”..Romans 8:28.

Randy Marple

Shadyside