I Waited to Long – Now what was given is gone! Thoughts from the Edges.

“The Man Who Waited Too Long”

Pastor Calvin Cook

November 25, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 60:22  “At the right time, I the Lord will make it happen.”

In this past week’s sermon I shared a story about a man who had everything he needed to build a beautiful house. The land was cleared, the blueprints were drawn, the lumber was stacked, and the tools were ready. He had the knowledge. He had the equipment. He had every resource necessary to create the home he dreamed of.

But he kept waiting for “the right time.”

A new season would come, and he’d say, “Maybe next month.” A new year would arrive, and he’d whisper, “Maybe when life slows down.” And so the materials sat—untouched, unprotected, unused.

Over time the wood began to warp, the nails rusted, and the weather beat against everything he owned. Thieves stole pieces of the project that were never secured. When he finally decided it was time to build, the supplies had deteriorated, the equipment no longer worked, and what once was possible had slipped out of reach.

He had everything… but because he waited too long, he could no longer complete what he was meant to begin.

Isaiah 60:22 reminds us, “At the right time, I the Lord will make it happen.” That verse doesn’t mean God is withholding or delaying. It means God is ready—but we must act with what He has already given.

So many of us have dreams God placed in our hearts: a ministry to start, a person to forgive, a habit to break, a call to follow, a spiritual gift to use, a relationship to restore. The resources are there. The Spirit is moving. The opportunity is present. But we keep waiting for the “perfect moment.” We assume we have endless tomorrows. We think the door will stay open forever.

Spiritual gifts that we once received and recognized seem to disappear from neglect or not taking full advantage of what the Spirit has given us. Opportunities can be stolen by distraction.  Callings can fade under fear and hesitation. The work of the Lord seems impossible or ignored because of the opinions of others. We listen more to the Spirit of no, of not possible, of being a dreamer – instead what Jesus has breathed into our life through the Holy Spirit.

What is God asking you to build today? What step have you delayed? Where has God already said “Go”?

What are we waiting for, one more person to leave this earth without knowing about Jesus. One more church to disappear into the unknown. Don’t wait too long. Use what God has given. Start where you are. The time is now—because God is ready, has always stood ready for the renewal and revival to begin.

And a final word to the one who has been considering a relationship with Jesus. I ask you with all my heart to consider that relationship and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life.