Recently, my husband and I went fishing.  We sat for 2-3 hours without even a nibble.  Right when we were talking about leaving, I got a bite.  I was on an ultra-light pole with 8-pound test on it, so I really didn’t think the way the pole was bending meant much.  When I was able to get it close enough to briefly get a look at it, we were both shocked with how large it was.  After considerably more play time, I brought in a 53-pound carp that was 45 ½ inches long.  We got some attention as we took that to our vehicle.  If you saw me, you would laugh at how this 4 ft 11 inch person could bring in a fish that big.  I was surprised too.

We took it home and cleaned it.  As we were deciding what to do with it, I fried a little of it.  My husband has had a fish allergy in the past but has been able to eat it again.  He could feel the allergy reaction from just a couple of bites so we knew eating it would be a problem.

The next day we went by the bait shop to tell the owner and show him pictures.  He got excited.  He said we should have brought it in.  It was 8-pounds over the State record for that type of fish.  If we had brought it in the day before, it would have been recorded.  All the same, we know I caught a fish bigger than the record fish.

Maybe you are wondering why I am telling you my fish story.  There are a few reasons.  Sometimes we can’t see anything happening.  My hook was below the water, so we couldn’t see it or the fish.  We were close to quitting when the biggest fish I have ever caught was about to take my line.  I wonder how many times we give up right before the blessing comes.  God is working, even when we can’t see what He is doing. 

Many people consider carp as a garbage fish and don’t want anything to do with them.  We have since found there are a number of ways people do eat and preserve carp.  Sometimes people or situations that come into our life that we may be quick to discard, but if we look a little closer, we might find they are of more value than we would expect, and even an answer to prayer.  We may not see right away what His plan is, but never doubt He has a plan.  Never take lightly what God gives you.  If it is from Him, He will show you the value and how to use it.