Favor
When I think of favor, I think of a gift. Most likely, something for free that can ease whatever burden I’m currently carrying. But there is a different kind of favor.
There is a king of favor that bestows responsibility. It gives us work to do, rather than takes it away. This favor elevates our status, and changes our stature. But there is a purpose for this favor. If given this favor it is because we have been found reliable for a particular task. There will be other gifts given to achieve that task - things like patience, grace, resilience, wisdom. But there is work. And it has to be done.
I wonder if we are hoping for the wrong thing when we ask for the favor that takes things away. What if we hoped for the favor that bestows responsibility, trusting that everything else will come with it?