Why did my affairs become easier after committing a sin and distancing myself from God, while they did not become easier despite prayer and worship in times of hardship? What is the wisdom behind this, and is this a sign of God's wrath?

Allah is Wise and All-Knowing; He puts things in their proper places. Perhaps the facilitation [you experienced] is an answer to your prayer. So, thank Allah for His bounty, attach your heart to Him, remove the traces of sins, and seek your mother's pleasure and honor her; for honoring her is among the most obligatory duties. Abandon sins, seeking Allah's guidance and success. Do not let Satan deceive you, and do not be among those whom Allah gradually draws (into destruction) through His blessings. Rather, adhere firmly to His law and obey His command.