Yes, this kind of thing sometimes happens! One possible explanation for why:
“All the barriers and obstacles which confront a person have only one purpose: to heighten his yearning for the holy deed which he needs to accomplish…. When you achieve the necessary desire and yearning for the holy act you need to accomplish, you will surely succeed in transforming the idea which is in your mind into an actual reality. The barrier itself can bring you to succeed by strengthening your desire to do so…. The greater the goal for which you yearn, the bigger the obstacles and barriers which are sent in order to strengthen your desire.” (Likutei Eitzos, Obstacles 1-2.)