Is what happened a test from God to examine my patience and commitment, so that He may grant me victory over my ex-husband's family by guiding him and returning him to me?

What happened is a trial from Allah, and you must be patient and content with His decree. There is no necessary connection between the answer to a supplication and the fulfillment of the exact request; for Allah may hasten the supplication, or store it for the Afterlife, or avert an evil by it. If the husband returns, then praise Allah. If he does not, then that is what is good, for Allah knows what is best for you. Allah says: "And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." All good lies in patience with Allah's decree and destiny. Allah says: "And give good tidings to the patient, who, when affliction strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.' Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the guided." Patience is the remedy for trials and an expiation for sins, and by it, the truthful are distinguished from the liars.