1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

2 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4 Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.”

Habakkuk 2:2-4

“Hope” means to anticipate with pleasure, expectation, or confidence. We can say that faith operates in the present tense and hope operates in the future. Hope gives you a picture of the future. That is why faith needs hope as its target, vision, and as something it is looking towards. Hope is not vague, passive or wishful thinking. It means you know what you are hoping for.

Since hope is “usually with pleasure,” then it is not when you are fearfully expecting something. Hope is not your fears. Hope is not thinking that some- thing bad is going to happen to you.

“Things” in its second appearance in Hebrews 11:1 means object or material, matter and deed. Deed means a legal document that is signed and delivered especially one regarding the ownership of property or legal rights. Since faith is the sub- stance and evidence of things, and these things deal with rights, therefore you only have a right to hope for something that is your right; something that has been sealed and delivered and is yours. Simply put, you need to hope for things that the sacrifice of Jesus provided for you.

Your hope is the target or vision that faith turns into reality. Therefore, you need to write the vision and make it plain. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. For example, an architectural plan of a house is a vision or picture of a house to be. When construction starts, you will see some tangible windows, doors, trees etc. In the same way, your faith gives substance to your vision! You look at the picture and you can act in faith and give substance or tangibility to your hope and vision. Faith has a motivation to move, once there is a clear-cut expectation.

Confession:
My faith needs my hope as its target, vision and expectation. I look at the picture of hope and I act in faith to give substance and tangibility to my hope and vision.