His Perfect Timing

As of today, it’s officially been one year since I moved to Osaka, Japan. Can y’all believe that?!

This year has flown by so quickly, and it’s gotten me thinking a lot about time.

For us, time feels structured, measured, and often urgent—but it is not the same for God.

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

2 Peter 3:8

Looking back on this past year—how far the Lord has brought me, from learning the language to being immersed in a completely different culture—I’m filled with awe, knowing it is only by His grace and mercy that I’m still here.

Over the past couple of weeks, He has also been teaching me something deeper about His timing: He prolongs it for a reason.

“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him.”

Ecclesiastes 8:12

It has now been 10 months since Mayumi first began coming to learn about the Word of God. She has not yet accepted Jesus, but she continues to come eagerly, desiring to hear His Word and to fellowship with other believers.

Ten months—why ten months, Lord? Why prolong this time?

The Lord has gently reminded me that His patience does not mean acceptance, but purpose. He extends time intentionally. Why? So that we may come to Him, only by His grace and mercy.

His patience is not approval of sin, but an invitation into a real and genuine relationship with Him. If it were any other way—if there were no patience—we would remain in our sin without hope. We would be forced into a relationship with God, but that is not His way. Instead, He gives time—space for hearts to soften, to seek, and to respond.

So we trust His perfect timing, even if it takes longer than we expect. We can trust in His promises, even if they feel impossible.

After all, “the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9.

A Time to Pluck

I’m currently finishing my fourth semester of Japanese language school, and over these past few months, many seeds have been planted. I’m so grateful for the opportunities the Lord has given me, and I trust that soon it will be time to “pluck up what is planted” (Ecclesiastes 3:2).

I’ve had opportunities to share the gospel with those around me, and I’ve seen the Lord move faithfully in their lives. From a friend asking for prayer for her anxiety and depression, to another asking for prayer to pass his exams—the Lord has answered faithfully.

Please continue to pray for my friends Chloe and Jackie, that they would have eyes to see God moving and working in their lives, and hearts willing to follow Him.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I’m confident that none of this would be possible without your partnership in the gospel.

I’m truly blessed to be here for such a time as this—it is such an honor.

May His will be done,

-Mayra Alejandra