I see a pattern in chapter 38 based upon my experience in life combined with experiences of others. I would like to outline this chapter. It's long so bear with me please.

1. Sin is a horrible thing.

If not taken seriously, it's destructive and destroys. It destroys individuals and families. It destroys jobs and marriages. It destroys friendships, churches and ministries.

2. When sin is taken seriously it can result in restoration.

Unfortunately it comes with consequences.

a. God's discipline and exposure of sin is painful. Necessary, but painful. it puts one in a broken state. It drains one of strength and health. Sadly, that's what needs to happen, humility, before we can begin the restoration process.

b. Once broken, we are reminded and rehearse over and over again our sin.

    – we are filled with guilt which seems impossible to Bear. But we can't give up. We can't stop fighting.

     – Satan wants to use brokenness to tear us down and destroy us and get us to give up.

     – God wants to use brokenness to bring repentance and restoration.

     – we can't listen to the lies our minds are flooded with.

3. During the brokenness humility or humiliation comes.

During this time we are daily haunted by our mistakes. We rehearse it over and over again in our mind with regret. One apologizes to God and others over and over again. God forgives but they can't forgive themselves.

a. During this time one mourns a lot. One experiences anguish and have a crushed Spirit. They pray no one finds out in the church or amongst their peers. They are embarrassed. They pray for grace and mercy from God.

b. during this time it is important to surround oneself with a support team for encouragement, for healing, and restoration. This is a pivotal point, for you will either seek support or isolate oneself from others, from church or from a support team. This is dangerous.

4. The Wait or Perseverance Period.

God will let us go through this painful time, not because he hates us, but because he loves us. He doesn't bring immediate healing and restoration because experiencing this painful time is a factor God uses to remind us not to make the same mistake twice. So there is this waiting time that requires perseverance. Because perseverance can result in seeing a light ahead of the tunnel. Perseverance enables one to experience true forgiveness and healing and newness. One can go from feeling worthless to feeling hopeful with a new life with New Hope and new goals. One can experience God's spirit back in their lives for ministry opportunities again.

5. Restoration and healing.

Eventually we are restored and healed. Yes, it is a process but it's worth it. This is when we see the power of God doing miracles in the lives of individuals, and marriages, and friendships, and jobs, and ministry. So never give up. Keep persevering. You and God can do this.

1st Peter 5:6-11 is a great passage, especially when experiencing some form of suffering and pain.