There is, at least in my mind, a big difference between asking for a favor and calling one in. This is especially true if the one you are calling in has been regularly reinforced as one that you can use at any time.
If there is no offer on the table, then whatever happens just happens. There are no expectations, no plans depending on anyone coming through, and most of all, no broken commitments. On the other hand…I might as well stop here. Everyone I know has gone through the drama of calling in a favor when it is needed only to discover that the promise only existed in your mind. No action. No evidence of commitment. Nothing to show for the trust that you placed in knowing that someone was going to be there when you needed them.
I have come to appreciate that with time, my confidence that someone will deliver on their promise is limited to a trusted few. For the large majority, I appreciate the offer however there are no expectations within me that leads to confidence and reliance. I may ask, however I am treating the request like any other random favor. Hearing “yes” is fantastic, however there are no negatives with a “now” or “let me check, I’ll get back to you”.
Recently I experienced the joy and excitement of calling in a favor without hesitation, pause, or anything that might cause a flicker of stress. Before the sound of my words had passed into silence, I hear a “Yes”. Relieved, I waited for the caveats that I was sure would follow. “Let me know when and where, I’ll be there.”
As I think of the comfort and sense of hope that followed, I realized that my distrust has extended to every corner of my life. I recognized the sentiment behind David’s words; “Remember your promises; the city is in darkness, the countryside violent.” (Psalm 74.20) It is sad that I often lose sight of the one who has never failed, never not been there, and who has never judged.
