Definition and Context:
Strategic action refers to the deliberate and planned efforts to achieve specific goals or outcomes. In the biblical context, strategic action involves the application of wisdom, discernment, and obedience to God's will in order to fulfill His purposes. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and groups who engaged in strategic action to accomplish divine objectives.

Biblical Examples:

1. Joseph's Administration in Egypt:
Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a prime example of strategic action in the Bible. After being sold into slavery and rising to power in Egypt, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and devises a plan to save Egypt from a coming famine. His strategic action not only preserves Egypt but also saves his own family. Genesis 41:33-36 records Joseph advising Pharaoh: "Now therefore, let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance."

2. Nehemiah's Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls:
Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, takes strategic action to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He carefully plans the project, secures the king's support, and organizes the people to work despite opposition. Nehemiah 2:4-5 shows his strategic approach: "Then the king asked me, 'What is your request?' So I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, 'If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in your sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.'"

3. Gideon's Battle Strategy:
Gideon, a judge of Israel, is instructed by God to reduce his army to 300 men to defeat the Midianites, demonstrating reliance on divine strategy rather than human strength. Judges 7:7 states, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the others go home.'"

4. Paul's Missionary Journeys:
The Apostle Paul exemplifies strategic action in his missionary journeys. He carefully selects cities to visit, often targeting major urban centers to spread the Gospel effectively. Acts 16:9-10 describes a strategic vision: "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."

Principles of Strategic Action:

1. Seeking Divine Guidance:
Strategic action in the Bible often begins with seeking God's guidance through prayer and discernment. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

2. Planning and Preparation:
Effective strategic action involves careful planning and preparation. Jesus emphasizes the importance of counting the cost in Luke 14:28 : "Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?"

3. Obedience and Faith:
Strategic action requires obedience to God's commands and faith in His promises. Hebrews 11:8 highlights Abraham's obedience: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

4. Adaptability and Wisdom:
The ability to adapt and apply wisdom is crucial in strategic action. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Conclusion:
Strategic action in the Bible is characterized by a reliance on God's guidance, careful planning, and a commitment to fulfilling His purposes. Through examples like Joseph, Nehemiah, Gideon, and Paul, believers are encouraged to engage in strategic action that aligns with God's will and advances His kingdom.