Recent events have caused many of us to pause and reflect deeply on the prospects for Jamaica—particularly here in the western end of the island. What we experienced with Hurricane Melissa was not just a natural event; it became a moment of national and communal reckoning.
Out of that experience emerged a recurring theme: the need to rebuild, and just as importantly, the need for resilience in the aftermath of disruption and destruction.
This brings us to a defining question as we look ahead: what might unfold in 2026 if we, as the body of Believers, decide to build with purpose?
Not hurriedly.
Not reactively.
But deliberately, prayerfully, and obediently.
The Bible gives us clear guidance on the matter:
i. Have we received the Divine Blueprint?
The work always begins with a word from the Lord, and as such, one should look to Him to begin any journey of purpose.
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…”
Purposeful building starts with divine instruction, not human ambition.
ii. Are there willing contributors?
Exodus 35:5b–7
“Whoever has a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s offering…”
“Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever has a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s offering: gold, silver, and bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet fabric, fine linen, goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and skins of porpoises, and acacia wood…”
Purpose requires participation. God does not build alone—He invites hearts, gifts, and resources as He clearly showed with ancient Israel who was invited to be part of this journey of spiritual transformation through the building of the temple. A theme reinforced in His word: Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals His plans to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7 NLT)
iii. Are the materials identified?
Exodus 35:13–15
“the table and its carrying poles, and all its utensils, and the bread of the [divine] Presence (showbread); the lampstand also for the light and its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; and the altar of incense and its carrying poles, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, the screen (curtain) for the doorway at the entrance of the tabernacle…”
God names specific items, tools, and provisions. Nothing is vague. Purpose requires clarity about what is needed. This is an approach He also uses with us as humans, for He declared:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11 NLT)
This clearly indicates His purposes for all of us and that He has the best interests at heart for us as His children.
iv. Are the right people assigned?
Exodus 35:30–32
“The Lord has called by name Bezalel… and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, skill, understanding, and knowledge…”
Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom and skill, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge in all [areas of] craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs to work in gold, silver, and bronze…”
God appoints people not just with willingness but with capacity—and the grace to teach others, thereby enabling willing persons to become effective vessels for His greater purposes. Each may come with their own unique gifts and skills. It is therefore necessary to audit, with the Spirit, to ensure that the contribution of every person can be used effectively and efficiently. In addition, it is necessary to note that sometimes others are present for reinforcement, so their presence is to complement, not compete.
v. Are we prepared for skillful execution?
Exodus 35:33–35
…and in the cutting of stones for setting and in the carving of wood, for work in every skilled craft. He has also put in Bezalel’s heart [the willingness] to teach [others the same skills], both he and Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do the work of an engraver, of a designer, and of an embroiderer, in blue, purple, and scarlet fabric, and in fine linen, and of a weaver; makers of every work and embroiderers of [excellent] designs.
Purposeful builders must be able to work with what is available and multiply skills across the community, which, in effect, makes for vibrant and resilient people in the face of testing and change.
vi. Is the Foundation Secure?
1 Corinthians 3:10–11
“Like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation… But each one must be careful how he builds on it… For no one can lay a foundation other than Jesus Christ.”
No matter how impressive the structure is, the integrity of the foundation determines the outcome. This principle is clearly illustrated by the numerous construction projects we observe here: the taller the building, the deeper and more extensive its foundation must be to support the structure.
Likewise, if we build for Christ, He must be the foundation to ensure that what we build represents Him. This is precisely what Apostle Paul was saying, as he knew where his foundation lay…on Christ. Consequently, he warned that anyone who is to follow the work he had begun must ensure that they remain in line with the teachings of Christ and not seek to lead persons away from such teachings.
THE CHARGE FOR 2026
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the call before us is clear:
- To build intentionally, not impulsively
- To build obediently, not independently
- To build together, not in isolation
- To build on Christ, not on convenience
If we choose to build with purpose, we will not only see structures rise—we will see people and nations transformed, faith strengthened, and God’s presence dwell among us. As we reflect on the losses from Hurricane Melissa, we boldly declare that 2026 is a year not just to recover but to build with purpose.
And it is imperative that we seek to firmly rededicate our structures, systems, and ways back to God just as Solomon did when he rebuilt the temple: having an eye on the blessings of God and His providence, while being mindful of His warnings:
“But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name. I will make it an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations. And though this Temple is impressive now, all who pass by will be appalled. They will ask, ‘Why did the Lord do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?’ “And the answer will be, ‘Because his people abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead and bowed down to them. That is why he has brought all these disasters on them.’” (2 Chronicles 7:19-22 NLT)
Be therefore so guided and let God’s grace lead you as you embrace the coming year and accept the charge to:
Build with purpose!
Gordon M. Swaby is an engineer by profession and a Kingdom visionary.
