But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 NKJV

Romans 8:28 says that, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Is it a mistake to try to make this verse fit every negative circumstance or situation in life? Paul taught this truth only in reference to praying in the Spirit (Rom. 8:26). Apparently, Paul didn’t believe that everything that happen worked for good. In the above foundation text, he was he hindered by Satan, but he didn’t say that it worked for good.

Did Satan hinder Paul with opposition, sickness, a travel problem, or was this a direct attack? So, what do you do when Satan comes to hinder you? You can speak the Word; confess the Word; and, certainly, pray the Word. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted” (Isa. 43:26). Why? Not because God is forgetful or absent-minded. God wants you to speak and hear the Word that you pray to release your faith which pleases Him (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6). This is the key to solving problems in life. You don’t have to go to bed and wake up with the problem—day after day; learn to pray the answer. God’s Word is the answer (Isaiah 55:10-11).

It’s good spiritual discipline to always pray the Word. The “sword of the Spirit” is God’s Word wielded out of your mouth when you speak it or pray it to defeat and overcome all the fiery darts of the enemy (Eph. 6:16-17; Heb. 4:12). In fact, you are praying God’s Word perfectly when you pray and supplicate in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18). But, what do you do when you don’t know the Word or can’t remember the Word? When all else fails, pray in the Spirit! (Rom. 8:26-28).