It is sincerity that saves a devotee even though he may apparenty lose hope to be saved. It is difficult to predict how and when Krishna's mercy will manifest in one's life. Sometimes it may not manifest until many long yeas of sufferring have come before it. 'Manifest' means it will become clear that it is Krishna's mercy. The mercy is there right now and a devotee is never overlooked by the Lord. The Lord knows best how to bring His devotee closer to Him. So we should not try to calculate when and how He should do it for us rather simply remain sincere and go on with our endeavors to chant and hear Krishna's glories. That is sincerity.