Matthew 11:1-6  John the baptist was in prison because of his stand against Herod.  He sent his disciples to ask Jesus this question, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" 

Why would John have any doubts?  Because he was in prison? Because Jesus wasn't what he expected? He had seen Jesus with his own eyes!  He had baptized him and saw the Holy Spirit come upon him.  Why would he have any question that Jesus was the "Expected One "?   Why do we?  Why does our faith waver when circumstances aren't what we want? Why do we get confused when Jesus doesn't fit our expectations?  We are all in the same boat with John... with a need to persevere in our faith. 

Jesus sent John's followers away with this answer, " Go and report to John what you hear and see; the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them, and blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me."  

Jesus was referring to the words of Isaiah 35. The prophecy.. the Word of God... about the Kingdom was being fulfilled right before their eyes.  This is what they should have been expecting all along.. not anything else. 

Don't stumble over the Truth, Jesus tells them... don't stumble over Him..   Don't stumble because your expectations are not what they should be.. We need to know the Word and believe it.. we need to not be conformed to the world's ways of thinking.. but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.. through the Word of God.. by the Spirit of God. 

Father in heaven, let Your kingdom come!  Open our eyes to the truth of Your Word. Grant us persevering faith, to put away any doubts or confusion about the reign of Christ, our King.  When our circumstances are difficult.. may we be steadfast and stand firm in faith.  May we be diligent.. "in [our] faith" supplying "moral excellence.. knowledge.. self-control.. perseverance.. godliness.. kindness.. and love." May the testing of our faith "being more precious than gold.. be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."  Father, "let us know, let us press on to know the Lord."  Let us grow deeper in faith, in love, and in hope.. for we ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and King forever. Amen.