Utter and Total Confusion

Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea. But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!” (Exodus 14:23-25)

We may never see the power of God on display such as the Israelites witnessed that day when they crossed over the Red Sea with waters piled high on each side, ground made dry for their passage. We might never encounter actual enemy forces hot on our trail, making way toward us in order to bring us to our demise. We may never see the actual pillar of fire or cloud of God's glory on display, clearly delineating the break from our past. Yet, we see God at work in our lives in many ways we may not fully recognize as God.

One of the things that captured my attention in this passage was the 'total confusion' the enemy experienced. God may not do a 'grand work' of displaying his power in our lives, but we can rest assured he will send our enemy into 'total confusion' when we speak forth the all-powerful name of Jesus. Our enemy cannot 'work through' the confusion God brings when we speak the name of Jesus. The powerful wind that dried up the Red Sea's bed and piled high the waters is nothing compared to what God is doing for us in 'places unseen' with the naked eye when we proclaim the majesty and power of Jesus.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians that Satan is the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. The spirit of those powers is at work in our world all around us. (Ephesians 2) We may not see the forces that come against us, but we can trust that God will bring 'utter and total confusion' to their plans, intent, and 'doings' in our lives. We are not subject to these evil powers but have the ability to counter their attack by speaking the name of Jesus. There is no more powerful name, for by his name all creation is subject to move into action! 

The next time you sense there are enemy forces attempting to hold you in some place of bondage, try speaking the name of Jesus. Pray in the power of his name, taking authority of the one who really has no authority over a child of God anymore. You could just see the utter and complete confusion that brings into the armies that stand in opposition to your forward progress! Just sayin!