Submitted by: Donna Gosset
When 
I received news that I had breast cancer, my heart ached. Many thoughts went through my mind: “How bad is it? Will I be able to see my grandchildren marry? Will I have more time here to do the Lord’s will in my life?”
A couple weeks earlier, I had attended a luncheon where a doctor from Moffitt Cancer Center spoke about being your own advocate by doing self exams and getting mammograms. I leaned over to my friend and said, “Sure! I wouldn’t be able to tell a cyst from a lump!” For a full week after that the Lord prompted my heart over and over again. I heard His voice telling me to check my breast – not breasts but breast. I went into the shower and started to check my right breast. There it was – a hard round lump – there was no mistaking it; this felt different.
I went to my doctor and he said I needed to go in for a mammogram. The Lord put it into my heart to seek the doctor from Moffitt, so I went to the center to have the mammogram and ultrasound. Then, I needed a biopsy. When I went in for the biopsy I asked the Lord to help me through it. He not only told me that He was with me, but also sent in a nurse to pray with me before they did the procedure. The Lord held my hand through the whole ordeal. A few days later, the doctor called and wanted to see me. As the doctor put his arms around me, he told me the news. God sent me to the most compassionate doctor I had ever met.
Before going to have surgery, I felt the Lord drawing me to the ocean. I knew that I must go. I asked my husband Lee to take me to Daytona Beach for the weekend. I wanted to hear the surf. I wanted to walk along the beach and feel the sand between my toes. I slept soundly that night. No sad thoughts, but my heart was heavy. “What would the outcome be?” I wondered. I slept with the balcony door open so I could hear the ocean’s whisper as I fell asleep. Early morning came and the sun shone brightly through the window into my eyes. I quietly slipped out of the room. I wanted to go on a walk alone to have quiet time with the Lord.
Oh, Glory! The minute I stepped onto the sand, I felt God’s presence. He was with me and this is where He wanted me to be – alone with Him. I started to walk along the sun-filled beach; it was still early so no one was around. The Lord had me all to Himself. He started to talk to me about not being afraid and that He was with me. He was holding me in His arms through the journey. The Lord told me to stand and just breathe Him in and know how much He loved me.
Tears filled my eyes as we walked and talked and I told Him my concerns. As He listened, He surrounded me with His glory. God told me I was going to be just fine. He revealed that He had more for me to do here on earth and others would need to hear my story in order to save their lives. He said my quality of life would change, I would abundantly enjoy His gift of life, and I would walk even closer to Him.
As we continued down the beach, I saw about 50 sandpipers just running, heads down pecking and pecking, so very busy! The Lord said, “Watch them, Donna. See how busy they are? Running and working all the day long. That is why My people do not hear Me and why you must tell them to be still and know that I am God. Donna, be still and know that I am God and all things will work together for your good because you love Me!” (see Romans 8:28). “Holy, Holy is Your Name, My God,” I said back. At that moment I looked down at the sand and there were His footprints—the only prints in the sand! I wept and knew my God was carrying me through this journey of breast cancer and that I would use it to glorify Him.
He gave me peace through the surgery and I had no fear. My recovery was very good and I knew He was guiding my healing. He gave me strength in His Word and I was able to minister to other cancer patients during my 32 days of radiation. The Lord gave me strength that I never knew was possible. He gave me a purpose to help other women who would be going through this journey by telling my story and holding their hands.
Today, I am cancer free and I am a survivor! Jesus took my hand, walked me through it all, and never left me. I want you to know that He is there for you in the very same way. Don’t be a sandpiper; don’t look down, but look up and reach for Him. He is always with you and He will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6). I know because He told me so. Praise Jesus!
