Definition and Importance:
Strategic planning and action refer to the process of setting goals, determining actions to achieve those goals, and mobilizing resources to execute the actions. In a biblical context, strategic planning involves seeking God's guidance, aligning with His will, and executing plans with wisdom and discernment. The Bible emphasizes the importance of planning and taking action in accordance with God's purposes.

Biblical Examples:

1. Joseph's Administration in Egypt:
Joseph is a prime example of strategic planning and action. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, Joseph proposed a plan to store surplus grain during the years of plenty. This strategic foresight saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation. Genesis 41:34-36 states, "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. They should collect all the excess food during these good years that are coming, and under Pharaoh’s authority, store the grain in the cities for food."

2. Nehemiah's Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Wall:
Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem is another example of strategic planning and action. Upon hearing of Jerusalem's desolation, Nehemiah prayed, fasted, and sought God's favor before approaching King Artaxerxes for permission to rebuild the wall. He carefully assessed the situation, organized the people, and implemented a plan to complete the construction despite opposition. Nehemiah 2:4-5 records, "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. Jesus' Ministry:
Jesus demonstrated strategic planning in His ministry. He chose twelve disciples, trained them, and sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray and seek the Father's guidance, ensuring His actions aligned with God's will. In Luke 6:12-13 , it is written, "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles."

Principles of Strategic Planning and Action:

1. Seeking Divine Guidance:
The Bible underscores the necessity of seeking God's guidance in planning. Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved." This highlights the importance of aligning plans with God's will and trusting Him for success.

2. Wise Counsel and Discernment:
Scripture encourages seeking wise counsel and exercising discernment in planning. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Consulting with others and considering multiple perspectives can lead to more effective strategies.

3. Diligence and Hard Work:
The Bible emphasizes the value of diligence and hard work in executing plans. Proverbs 21:5 notes, "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." Diligence in planning and execution is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.

4. Flexibility and Adaptability:
While planning is essential, the Bible also teaches the importance of being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. James 4:13-15 reminds believers, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'"

Conclusion:
Strategic planning and action, when rooted in biblical principles, involve seeking God's guidance, exercising wisdom, and diligently executing plans. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of aligning human plans with divine purposes, ensuring that actions are carried out with faithfulness and integrity.