God could have, but He didn't.

Scripture:
“For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:15-16 (NIV)


Application:
Loving parents don't suddenly bring all the force of their powers and penalties on naughty children. It's a gradual pressure. The objective is to mold those children into respectful people, not to crush their spirits.
God does the same for us.
He corrects, not crushes. But there's a period in which gentle correction ends and severe punishment begins. That's when we need to pray that we'll get God's message and change quickly.


Prayer:
Dear Father, we know that You love us so much that You don't want us to go down the wrong path. Help us remain sensitive and responsive to Your gentle correction. We want to do Your will. Amen.