What does Hebrews 11:1 mean to me?

It took me quite some time to truly understand this verse. I've had it memorized for over 10 years, but now that I'm more mature in my faith I am able to apply it to my life. The verse says that faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. I notice that oftentimes the things I hope for requires me to believe against all odds. The miracles that God has spoken over my life are manifested in certain seasons of my life. Its easy to believe God when things are going well, but when obstacles in life come I make sure I speak words of faith rather than doubt living by the word of God.