I believe, too, that the Lord deliberately chooses to work in those who have been habitual sinners rather than those who, by comparison, have never grieved him at all.  Yes, he seems to do this very often.  For I think he wants us to realize that he is all-merciful and almighty, and that he is perfectly free to work as he pleases, where he pleases and when he pleases.

~ The Cloud of Unknowing