Preparation and strategy are integral themes throughout the Bible, reflecting the importance of foresight, wisdom, and divine guidance in achieving God's purposes. These concepts are evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where individuals and nations are often called to prepare and strategize in accordance with God's will.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, preparation and strategy are frequently associated with military endeavors, leadership, and spiritual readiness. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of Joshua, who was tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing the need for preparation and reliance on divine guidance. Joshua 1:8 states, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do."

King David also exemplifies strategic preparation, particularly in his battles against the Philistines. Before engaging in battle, David sought the Lord's counsel, demonstrating the importance of aligning human strategy with divine will. In 1 Samuel 23:2 , David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The Lord answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah."

The account of Nehemiah further illustrates the significance of preparation and strategy in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's strategic planning, prayerful preparation, and leadership were crucial in overcoming opposition and completing the task. Nehemiah 4:9 highlights this approach: "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat."

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, preparation and strategy are often linked to spiritual readiness and the advancement of the Gospel. Jesus Christ Himself emphasized the importance of preparation in His teachings. In the parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus underscores the necessity of being prepared for His return. The wise virgins took oil in jars along with their lamps, while the foolish ones did not, illustrating the need for spiritual vigilance and readiness.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the importance of preparation and strategy in the context of spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:11 , he instructs believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This metaphorical armor represents the spiritual preparation required to withstand evil and remain faithful.

Paul's missionary journeys further demonstrate strategic planning in spreading the Gospel. He carefully selected locations, often starting in synagogues to reach both Jews and Gentiles, and adapted his approach based on the cultural context of each region. Acts 16:9-10 recounts a pivotal moment in Paul's strategy: "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, preparation and strategy are portrayed as essential components of fulfilling God's purposes. Whether in the context of military conquests, spiritual readiness, or the spread of the Gospel, the Bible consistently emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning, reliance on divine guidance, and readiness to act in accordance with God's will.