When it comes to preparedness, and the wisdom thereof, many Christians have a range of different opinions. Some Christians over-prepare for the days ahead, panicking as if God has butter fingers. Other Christians, though they rarely put their money where their mouths are, assert that preparing for certain scenarios, or doing so in a certain way, displays a lack of confidence in God.
Medical supplies and weapons are great examples. Some Christians assert that the use of certain medications show a lack of faith in God. Anti-depressants are supposedly a problem because God should be our source of joy. Pain killers, particularly during childbirth, are said to be a sin, since the pain of childbirth is a consequence of the fall that should not be circumvented. Weapons are another example. John Piper, for example, once stated that Christians who carry guns have their faith "in your back pocket".
But while the Bible teaches faith in, and reliance on God, it does not teach us to sit back and enjoy the ride. As some put it, He doesn't teach us to "sit on a shovel and pray for a hole". Rather, it teaches us to be wise, relying on God to provide what we need, and to make up for those occasions when we don't have it.
Those who assert that preparedness is showing a lack of faith in God presumably still eat, though God can sustain them. They presumably still lock their doors, though God can deter burglars. They presumably still wear seatbelts, though God can prevent accidents. God can prevent any disaster, but He also prepares us for the possibility that He won't. The Bible is quite clear: Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. When Satan told Jesus to jump because the angels would catch Him, Jesus did not jump. When our fellow, in this case misguided Christians tell us not to make wise provisions, we should likewise refuse.
The image I used for the verse art in the header image is actually me, walking in the woods near my house. Notice I am wearing a rain coat. It didn't rain, and even the forecast said it wasn't going to rain. But I took the rain coat, not because I lack faith in God, but because God causes rain to fall on the righteous and wicked alike.
I was also carrying my key, even though my whole family were home and able to let me in if I came home to a locked door. I carry my phone in case I need to contact someone. I carry my Swiss Army knife for the possible removal of plants, or even litter such as fishing wire, which may catch me or block my path. Finally, I carry my weapon for the possible event that someone wishes to harm me (as has happened in the past). None of this is due to a lack of faith, but because God would expect me to travel wisely.
When Jesus briefed the apostles near the time of His arrest, He first drew their attention to when He sent them out unequipped. They lacked nothing, because God was looking out for them. But then Jesus told them they did need to prepare. Money bag, knapsack and, of all things, a sword. The very sword, in fact, which Peter would later use to defend Jesus. But though Jesus told him to buy the sword, the apostles actually had two with them the whole time, which Jesus obviously knew about. This tells us how important the sword was, specifically. If Jesus intended the sword for one specific purpose, He wouldn't have said sell your cloak to buy one. He would have asked if they had swords and then commanded them to use those two. But He didn't. He said let he who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
As with most themes, therefore, the Christian view is the middle ground. You don't need to go to the extreme of building a giant underground bunker and stockpiling an army's cache of weapons, a restaurant's worth of food and a hospital's worth of medicine. God will always have you covered. But at the same time, you don't need to walk into the snow with a thin layer of clothing and empty pockets to show your faith in God. Rather, the correct view is to be wise about what you own and what you carry. Trust in God for what you need, and rely on Him to make it work as it should. Be wise, and trust in God to reward that wisdom. If you are foolish, be warned: God may send rain even if you leave your raincoat behind.