We may turn away from him, but God will never turn away from us. And he doesn't give up on us, even when we have given up on ourselves. He works to transform sinners. This isn't easy, and it takes time. But God is merciful enough to give us that time.
Transformation takes time, and is quite often painful.
Sinners such as myself understand this all too well. My personal transformation took years. It was a long, painful process of self-realization and growth, and I'm not finished yet. God Rolled Up His Sleeves. God got his hands dirty with me.