Is delayed provision and a straitened state a test from Allah or a punishment for some sin?

Affliction may be an indication of Allah's love and a means of elevating one's rank, rather than necessarily a punishment or humiliation. One must be patient and have good expectations of Allah, for Allah may be reserving something better than what was withheld. When affliction descends, one should introspect and accuse oneself, for affliction may be due to sins and is only revealed through repentance. Therefore, one should renew repentance, frequently seek forgiveness, and supplicate persistently, while being cautious not to hasten the answer or despair of supplication.