Believable Lie #2: I’m Too Far Gone for God

We’ve all heard them—little phrases that sound wise, comforting, or even spiritual—but they’re not true. That’s the whole point of this series: exposing the “believable lies” that can shape how we think about God, life, and faith. Last time we looked at the lie, “God is a killjoy.” The truth was that from the very beginning, God created everything for our good, our joy, and our flourishing.

This week we turn to another common lie: “I’m too far gone for God.”

The Lie: “I’m Too Far Gone”

Maybe you’ve thought something like this:

• “If God knew where I’ve been or what I’ve done, He would never want me.”

• “I’ve crossed the line too many times.”

• “My past disqualifies me from God’s love.”

Some of us feel this because of choices we’ve made—bad relationships, addictions, destructive habits. Others feel it because of what was done to them—words spoken, abuse suffered, or rejection from people who should have shown love.

Whatever the reason, shame whispers the lie: “You’re too far gone.” But the Bible tells us the exact opposite.

The Truth: No One Is Too Far Gone

The story of Scripture, from beginning to end, is that God’s mercy is bigger than our sin. He is not repelled by brokenness—He moves toward it. Over and over, God proves that His heart is to forgive and restore, even when people seem beyond hope.

Let’s look at two powerful examples—one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament—that prove no one is too far gone for God.

Story #1: The People of Nineveh

In the time of Jonah (8th century BC), Nineveh was the capital of the brutal Assyrian Empire. They were notorious for cruelty, violence, and idolatry. Ancient inscriptions describe their kings boasting about flaying captives alive, impaling prisoners, and piling up enemy heads like trophies. To Israel, Nineveh represented everything evil.

When God sent Jonah to preach to Nineveh, it seemed ridiculous. These people were far too wicked. Surely God would judge them, not forgive them. Jonah’s message was short and sharp:

“Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” (Jonah 3:4 NLT)

But what happened next is shocking:

“The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:5 NLT)
“When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10 NLT)

Think about that. God forgave Nineveh—one of the most ruthless cities in history.

Jonah was furious because he knew this about God all along:

“I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” (Jonah 4:2 NLT)

This wasn’t a new idea. It echoes God’s self-revelation in Exodus 34:6-7 and shows up again in places like Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13, and Nehemiah 9:17. And the New Testament repeats the theme:

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)

The lesson? If God could forgive Nineveh, He can forgive you.

Story #2: The Prodigal Son

Jesus reinforced this truth with one of His most famous parables in Luke 15. The younger son insulted his father by demanding his inheritance early. In that culture, this was essentially saying, “I wish you were dead.”

He then ran to a distant land, wasted everything on wild living, and ended up broke, starving, and living among pigs—a picture of shame and disgrace. Surely, he thought, he was too far gone.

But Jesus said:

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NLT)

Instead of rejection, the father welcomed him home with open arms, restoring him as a son and throwing a celebration.

This story paints a vivid picture of God’s heart. He is not waiting to condemn you—He is watching, waiting, and ready to run toward you the moment you turn back.

Your Next Step

The Ninevites weren’t too far gone. The prodigal son wasn’t too far gone. And you aren’t too far gone either.

Here’s the truth: There is nothing you have done that can disqualify you from the love of God.

But notice the pattern in both stories:

• They turned back to God.

• They admitted their sin.

• They submitted to Him.

That’s what repentance looks like. And when we repent, we find God’s mercy waiting on the other side.

So here’s God’s honest truth: You are not too far gone. He is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and overflowing with unfailing love. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, He is ready to forgive and restore you today.

Lesson Summary
Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Sometimes people feel like they’ve messed up too much for God to love them. Maybe it’s because of choices they’ve made, or because of hurtful things that happened to them. Shame whispers, “You’re too far gone.” But the Bible says the opposite—God’s mercy is greater than our past.

God forgave the wicked city of Nineveh when they turned to Him. Jesus told the story of the prodigal son, who thought he was beyond hope, but his father ran to welcome him back. These stories remind us: no one is too far gone for God’s love.

Activity: Comeback Stories
5–10 minutes

Break into small groups and come up with a “comeback story.” It could be from sports, movies, or real life—like a team that came back from a big loss, or a character who turned their life around. Share it with the group. Then talk about how that connects to the idea that God gives people a second chance.

What You Need to Know
Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

• The lie says, “I’m too far gone,” but the truth is that God’s mercy is greater than our past. Jonah 4:2, Luke 15:20

• Nineveh was violent and cruel, but when they repented, God forgave them. Jonah 3:4-10

• God’s character has always been merciful and compassionate. Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 103:8

• The prodigal son thought he was unworthy, but the father welcomed him back with love. Luke 15:11-20

• Repentance—turning from sin and back to God—is the key to finding His mercy. 2 Peter 3:9

Let’s Talk About It

1. Why do you think so many people believe the lie that they’re “too far gone” for God?

2. How does God’s forgiveness of Nineveh show His mercy?

3. In the story of the prodigal son, what do you notice about the father’s response?

4. Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? What helped you push through that?

5. What would it look like for you to take a step toward God this week?

Believable Lie #3: God Won’t Give Me More Than I Can Handle

Many Christians have heard or even said the phrase: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It sounds comforting, but it’s not actually biblical. In fact, the Bible says the opposite.

Paul admitted openly:

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”

God never intended for us to handle life on our own. He allows more than we can bear so that we’ll finally lean on Him. The promise isn’t that we’ll never be overwhelmed—the promise is that we’ll never be abandoned.

The Verse We Misread

The phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle” usually comes from a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 10:13.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

This verse isn’t talking about suffering; it’s talking about temptation. God promises that no temptation will be so strong that we are forced to give in. He always provides a way of escape. That’s very different from saying we won’t experience suffering that overwhelms us.

The Truth About Temptation

Temptations are real—but they are not irresistible. Israel’s story in the wilderness is a warning: some gave in to temptation, while others trusted God. The difference wasn’t in the strength of the temptation but in their willingness to rely on God.

Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)
“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

James 1:12 (NLT)
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

God always provides a “way out.” That way out might be changing your environment, fighting back with Scripture (like Jesus did in Matthew 4), or reaching out for help from trusted friends. His faithfulness—not our willpower—is the reason we can endure.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT)
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”

The Truth About Suffering

While temptation always comes with an exit door, suffering is different. Sometimes suffering really is “more than we can handle.” Paul himself admitted he was crushed and overwhelmed to the point of despair.

But even then, God was at work. Suffering forces us to stop relying on ourselves and to start relying fully on Him.

Suffering also reminds us of the gift of community.

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

The church family is essential when we walk through seasons of pain, grief, or fear. God often works through His people to bring encouragement and strength in times of trial.

The Big Truth

So here’s the truth: God may give us more than we can handle—but He will never give us more than He can handle.

Suffering pushes us to depend on Christ. It draws us closer to our church family. And it prepares us to pass on comfort to the next generation.

We can cling to the hope that God’s power is greater than our weakness. He carried Paul. He carried Bonhoeffer. And He will carry you.

Final Word

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor martyred for his resistance to Hitler, once wrote: “Only a suffering God can help.” He knew firsthand what it meant to face more than he could handle. But he also knew the faithfulness of a God who never abandons His people.

So don’t believe the lie. God never promised you won’t be overwhelmed. He promised something far better—His presence and His power.

When suffering comes, remember: God may give you more than you can handle, but He will never give you more than He can handle.

Lesson Summary
Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

A lot of people say: “God won’t give me more than I can handle.” It sounds nice, but it’s actually not in the Bible. In fact, the Bible says the opposite! Paul admitted he was “overwhelmed beyond his ability to endure” and thought he would die (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). The truth is, sometimes life is too much for us—but it’s never too much for God.

God didn’t design us to handle everything on our own. When suffering comes, He wants us to lean on Him and on His people. And when temptation comes, He promises a way out. The real hope isn’t in our strength, but in God’s faithfulness.

Activity: Temptation vs. Suffering Sort
Instructions: Do this together as a group. This should take about 5-10 minutes.

• Print or write on slips of paper some real-life examples (like: “You’re tempted to cheat on a test,” “A close friend moves away,” “You lose a big game,” “Someone offers you drugs,” “A family member gets really sick,” etc.).

• Have students take turns sorting each example into one of two categories: Temptation or Suffering.

• After sorting, discuss: What’s different about these two categories? How does God respond differently in each situation?

Point: God always provides a way out of temptation. But in suffering, He promises His presence and strength—even when it feels overwhelming.

What You Need to Know
Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

• The phrase “God won’t give me more than I can handle” is not in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:13

• God promises a way out of temptation, but not freedom from all suffering. Hebrews 2:18, James 1:12

• Sometimes life really is more than we can handle—but never more than God can handle. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

• God uses suffering to teach us to rely on Him instead of ourselves. 2 Corinthians 1:9

• God comforts us in our pain so we can comfort others. This is why community matters. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Let’s Talk About It

1. Have you ever heard someone say, “God won’t give me more than I can handle”? How does it feel now to know that’s not true?

2. What’s the difference between temptation and suffering? Why is it important to know the difference?

3. Share a time you felt overwhelmed. How did God show up for you, or how did you wish He had?

4. How can God use your hard experiences to help someone else?

5. Why is it good news that God may give us more than we can handle—but never more than He can handle?

Believable Lie #4: Real Faith Means No Doubts

Many Christians quietly carry a burden they rarely admit out loud: “If I really had faith, I wouldn’t have doubts.” The idea sounds spiritual, but it’s simply not true. Even the Bible’s greatest heroes wrestled with questions—including John the Baptist. Real faith isn’t the absence of doubt; it’s the choice to keep trusting Jesus even when life leaves us with a boxful of questions.

John the Baptist Looked Like a “Super Christian”

When John the Baptist burst onto the scene, he seemed like the last person who would ever doubt. He preached with fiery conviction:

“But when John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. ‘You brood of snakes!’ he exclaimed. ‘Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.’” (Matthew 3:7-8, NLT)

John didn’t mince words. He lived boldly, called people to repentance, and baptized crowds in the Jordan River. He even recognized Jesus for who He truly was:

“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NLT)

At first glance, John seemed like a rock of unshakable faith. But even this great prophet had questions.

John’s First Doubts: “Why Me?”

When Jesus came to be baptized, John tried to stop Him:

“But John tried to talk him out of it. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,’ he said, ‘so why are you coming to me?’” (Matthew 3:14, NLT)

John didn’t fully understand what Jesus was doing. His theology was still “under construction.” And that’s an important lesson for us: you don’t have to have perfect doctrine before you belong to Jesus. From the very beginning of Christianity, the core message was simple—Jesus is God, He died and rose again, and those who repent and believe will be saved. (Acts 2:36-39)

If John the Baptist could wrestle with holes in his understanding and still be called a man of faith, then we can, too.

John’s Expectations of Jesus Didn’t Match Reality

Like many Jews of his day, John expected the Messiah to bring immediate judgment:

“He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” (Matthew 3:12, NLT)

John pictured a Messiah who was fiery, fierce, and forceful—someone who looked a lot like himself. But Jesus showed up gentle, merciful, and compassionate. He healed the sick, blessed outcasts, and even ate meals with tax collectors and sinners.

When Jesus didn’t match John’s expectations, it created space for doubt. And the same thing happens to us. When our picture of Jesus is shaped by culture, politics, or personal preference instead of Scripture, we can feel disappointed when He doesn’t act like we thought He would.

John’s Dungeon of Doubt

Eventually John was imprisoned for speaking the truth about Herod’s sin. Sitting in a dark dungeon, cut off from ministry and friends, his questions grew heavier.

“John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” (Matthew 11:2-3, NLT)

This is one of the most shocking questions in the New Testament. The very man who once pointed everyone to Jesus now wasn’t sure himself. Yet his doubt didn’t disqualify him from being used by God.

Jesus’ Response to Honest Questions

How did Jesus respond? He didn’t scold John or shame him. Instead, He pointed John back to the evidence:

“Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And he added, ‘God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.’” (Matthew 11:4-6, NLT)

Jesus reminded John that the signs of the kingdom were unfolding all around him. Miracles, changed lives, and fulfilled prophecy confirmed that He truly was the Messiah.

Then Jesus said something remarkable about John:

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11, NLT)

Think about that. Jesus honored John as the greatest prophet, not after he resolved his doubts, but right in the middle of them.

What This Means for Us

Your doubts don’t mean you lack faith. They mean you’re human. Real faith is choosing to trust Jesus when life doesn’t make sense. It’s holding onto Him when your theology feels unfinished, when your expectations are unmet, and when your dungeon feels dark.

Like John the Baptist, you may not have every answer. But you can trust the same Jesus who heals, restores, and raises the dead. And He blesses those who keep holding onto Him—even with questions still in their hands.

Takeaway Truth

Real faith isn’t the absence of doubt. It’s trusting Jesus in spite of your doubts.