Commenting on the paralytic Jesus heals in John 5:

Besides, this example ought to teach us patience. Thirty-eight years were a long period, during which God had delayed to render to this poor man that favour which, from the beginning, He had determined to confer upon him. However long, therefore, we may be held in suspense, though we groan under our distresses, let us never be discouraged by the tediousness of the lengthened period; for, when our afflictions are long continued, though we discover no termination of them, still we ought always to believe that God is a wonderful deliverer, who, by his power, easily removes every obstacle out of the way.