4 P's that Must Happen Before Being Sent Out by God

So, You Want to Be Used by God? Four P’s to Keep in Mind

You’re waiting on your assignment, ready to be used by God, but the waiting feels long. Maybe you’re weary, unsure of what to do next, yet still eager for the moment He calls you to action. If this resonates with you, let me share some insights God has revealed to me.

When we’re in seasons of waiting, God often works on four key areas in our lives: Path, Peace, Partnership, and Preparation. Anchored in Ephesians 6:15—“your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”—these principles provide clarity and encouragement as we wait for God’s timing. Let’s dive in.

1. Path: Walking in Grace Through Faith

The path God sets before us begins with grace. Before we take a single step, He equips us with grace and invites us to walk by faith. Jesus, the very foundation of our path, declared in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Through the Holy Spirit, He guides us every step of the way.

When we think of the “path,” consider our feet as the vehicle in our journey. The path set before us is by grace because of Christ our faith in Him enables us to trust the path God lays before us, even when we can’t see what lies ahead. Just as Jesus told His disciples He would send the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) to lead and guide them, we too can trust in His presence as we journey forward.

2. Peace: Presence and Provision

Peace in this context has two meanings. First, it’s the presence of God—the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we put our faith in Jesus, His Spirit lives within us, providing comfort, guidance, and assurance. This peace is unshakable, no matter the external circumstances.

Second, peace represents a part of the whole as in 'piece'. As members of the body of Christ, we are grafted into His family, given access to His inheritance, and entrusted with pieces of knowledge and gifts to share with others. This peace (piece) also anchors us in the truth, enabling us to focus on Him despite distractions.

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 beautifully illustrates this. Mary, seated at Jesus’ feet, represents peace—she was focused, unmoved, and resting in His presence. Martha, on the other hand, was distracted, worried, and burdened by tasks. Peace comes when we prioritize His presence over our busyness.

3. Partnership: Vertical and Horizontal Relationships

God created us for partnership, both vertically with Him and horizontally with others.

• Vertical Partnership: This begins with our relationship with God. Without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). The Holy Spirit walks with us, empowering us to do the impossible. This vertical partnership is foundational, as everything we do must flow from our connection with God.
• Horizontal Partnership: In Luke 10, Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in pairs—two by two. This represents horizontal partnerships, whether it’s divine connections, destiny helpers, or fellow believers who come alongside us. Even Mary and Martha symbolize a horizontal relationship that, when aligned with God’s will, can glorify Him.

Martha’s complaint about the “labor shortage” mirrors Jesus’ words in Luke 10:2: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” However, Martha was focused on worldly matters rather than Kingdom priorities. Horizontal partnerships in God’s Kingdom are purposeful and align with His mission.

4. Preparation: Being Fitted for the Call

Preparation is essential for any mission. Whether it’s military training, job orientation, or classroom instruction, no one is sent out without first being equipped. The same applies to God’s Kingdom.

In Ephesians 6:15, Paul describes feet “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” This fitting represents preparation. God teaches, equips, and matures us for the assignments He has planned. This preparation isn’t rushed; it’s a process that strengthens us to endure, avoid compromise, and stand firm.

Mary’s position at Jesus’ feet exemplifies preparation. Sitting at someone’s feet symbolizes being instructed and learning. It’s a place of stillness and focus, where we learn His ways, study His Word, and grow in maturity. God’s preparation ensures that we are not only ready but keeps us humble and dependent on Him knowing that it is He who sustains the call He places on our lives. Our part it keeping with our faith and staying obedient. 

Lessons from Peter and Martha: The Dangers of Distraction

Both Peter and Martha illustrate the importance of focus and trust in the process:

• Peter on the Water: When Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he asked, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you.” Peter stepped out in faith, but when he became distracted by the wind and waves, he began to sink. Like Martha, Peter’s distraction highlights the danger of taking our eyes off Jesus. Both acted impulsively, asking God to prove Himself, but their lack of focus revealed their doubt.

• Martha’s Complaint: Martha’s busyness distracted her from the presence of Jesus in her home. She asked Him to intervene, saying, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Her focus on tasks over His presence mirrors Peter’s distraction on the water.

In both cases, Jesus gently corrected them, reminding us that our first priority is always to seek Him.

The Military Analogy: Coming to Attention

God gave me a powerful analogy of peace and preparation from the military. When a high-ranking officer enters the room, soldiers immediately come to attention, standing still and saluting out of respect. They wait for the command to be at ease before resuming their tasks.

Similarly, we must understand that God's presence is in our home(our body is His Temple), we must come to attention—acknowledging His authority, waiting for His instruction, and positioning ourselves at His feet like Mary. Failing to do so, as Martha did, reflects either ignorance of His presence or misplaced priorities.

The Importance of Patience

God is the ultimate teacher, and His preparation process is intentional. He never sends us out without proper training. The waiting period might feel long, but it’s necessary to build our character, faith, and endurance. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

For those who feel weary in the waiting, remember this: God’s timing is perfect. He may be preparing you, refining you, or aligning you to His path with the right partnerships. Stay at His feet, remain focused, and trust the process.

Conclusion: Ready, But Waiting

If you truly want to be used by God, you must embrace His process of path, peace, partnership, and preparation.

• Path: Walk in grace and faith, trusting that Jesus is the way.
• Peace: Rest in His presence and share the crumbs(though powerful) of knowledge He gives.
• Partnership: Cultivate your vertical relationship with God and horizontal connections with others.
• Preparation: Allow Him to equip and mature you for the call.

When you feel ready but are still waiting, remember that readiness is about willingness, just because you are willing does not mean you are ready. Remember preparation ensures your effectiveness and dependance on God for sustainability. Trust that God, as the best teacher, is equipping you for success in His Kingdom. Stay at His feet, keep your eyes on Him, and know that in His perfect time, He will send you out.