Is it possible for the response to a prayer to abandon sin to be delayed?

Allah is the Wise, the All-Knowing, who places things in their rightful positions. He may not answer people's supplications for the guidance of a person due to a wisdom known to Him, just as the supplication of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for the guidance of his uncle Abu Talib was not answered. The servant must take the means, such as offering advice, enjoining good, and supplicating, and then entrust the matter to Allah. He should supplicate to his Lord, knowing that supplication is entirely good and beneficial.