his follow-up

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (JDV)

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has cared about us and given us permanent encouragement and good hope by favor,
2 Thessalonians 2:17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good achievement and word.

his follow-up

Paul had been taken from his ministry, and he knew he might not ever get a chance to go back. He did not despair of that. He knew God was in control. So, he simply asked the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to what he had taught them. He knew they would have to grow in their spiritual lives, but that was out of his hands.

There was one thing he could do, to encourage and strengthen them. He could pray that God take over that follow-up ministry, and that is just what he did in verses 16-17.

Lord, thank you that when we have done our bit, you are there to keep the ministry going.