How can we apply God's pursuit of the lost in our evangelism?

God’s Pursuit in Romans 10:20

“And Isaiah boldly says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.’”

What This Shows About God

• He initiates: God does not wait for sinners to grope toward Him; He goes after them first.

• He crosses indifference: The people in view were not seeking or asking, yet He made Himself known.

• He reveals, not merely invites: Revelation—unveiling Himself—is at the heart of pursuit.

• He fulfills His long-standing promise (Isaiah 65:1) to bring salvation beyond Israel, anticipating worldwide evangelism.

How We Mirror God’s Pursuit

Adopt His heart

• Compassion over condemnation (Matthew 9:36).

• Certainty that no one is beyond reach (1 Timothy 1:15-16).

• Joy when any sinner turns (Luke 15:7).

Take the first step

• Initiate conversations rather than wait for interest.

• Enter spaces where unbelievers live, work, and relax (John 4:4-10).

• Break through indifference with kindness and truth.

Reveal, don’t conceal

• Share God’s character and works plainly (Acts 17:23-31).

• Use personal testimony to uncover God’s activity (Mark 5:19).

• Open Scripture so people hear God’s own voice (Romans 10:17).

Cross barriers

• Ethnic and cultural (Acts 10:34-35).

• Social status (James 2:1-4).

• Past failures—Jesus pursued Peter after denial (John 21:15-17).

Rely on the Spirit

• Pray for doors to open (Colossians 4:3).

• Trust Him to convict and draw (John 16:8).

• Offer the message faithfully; results belong to God (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Practical Habits

• Weekly intentional contact with one non-believer.

• Memorize key pursuit texts (Luke 19:10; Romans 10:14-15).

• Keep a running list of friends and acquaintances to intercede for daily.

• Pair service with words: meet tangible needs while presenting Christ (1 John 3:18).

• Celebrate small steps—interest, questions, openness—as evidences of God already at work.

Encouragement from Other Scriptures

Luke 15:4-6 — The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine; we leave comfort zones.

Ezekiel 34:11 — “I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.” Our role echoes His.

2 Peter 3:9 — God is “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance,” grounding our persistence.

John 20:21 — “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” His pursuit becomes our commission.