The Lord's judgment to his people “is a merciful act keeping us from sinning, keeping us from becoming complacent in our sin. God will never be content to leave one of His elect in idolatry. He may let us stray into idolatry and sin, but He will never ever leave us here. He is faithful to His covenant. 'If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself' (2 Timothy 2:13). He will bring us to the point where we cry out for deliverance. Remember Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:1–32)? God may let us backslide and turn away from Him for a time, but He will never permit His elect to remain comfortable in their idolatry."¹