Yusuf 12:110

Hatta itha istay-asa arrusuluwathannoo annahum qad kuthiboo jaahumnasruna fanujjiya man nashao walayuraddu ba/suna AAani alqawmi almujrimeen

[They continued] until, when the messengers despaired and were certain that they had been denied, there came to them Our victory, and whoever We willed was saved. And Our punishment cannot be repelled from the people who are criminals.

(Punishment was often delayed) until when the messengers were in despair and thought that they were wrong in their estimation, Our help came to them, then saved were those whom We willed. And Our punishment is not averted from the guilty.