When Jesus Calls

By Martha Gayle

Mary is a naïve young woman whose life is not as planned. Betrayal in her marriage leaves her bitter, heartbroken, and angry. Instead of praying for God’s direction, she lives on her own understanding, walking away from the one who loves her the most: her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Focused on forgetting the pain of her past, Mary spends her days working as sales and marketing director at a popular resort and becomes a best-selling author. While trying to balance her life, she desires to follow Jesus. As Jesus continues to provide forgiveness, healing, and strength, Mary’s life takes a remarkable turn; she becomes a single mom. Even as her faith is tested, Mary understands her need for her dependence on Jesus and forgiveness in her heart. Mary desires to use her story to save others from pain. Will her walk, faith, and trust in Jesus Christ be enough to help her reject outside influences determined to change her decisions in following His plan for her life?

When Jesus Calls is a story of undeniable faith. Mary realizes she has not protected her heart well, as God’s word says in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Repenting of her sins, Mary finds peace and comes to know her Savior, Jesus Christ, in a more personal way, realizing He will never fail her, and all things work together for His Glory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385005963

Martha Gayle

Martha GaylE spent many years working in the corporate world, striving for perfection and wealth while desiring to follow Jesus. She was later called to become a stay-at-home wife and homeschool mom. Once her daughter left home to attend college, Martha became the owner of an insurance agency. After years of enjoying her career, she was called to sell her business to write this book. Her prayer is that God uses When Jesus Calls to inspire, provide hope in a broken world, and change hearts for His glory.

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When

Jesus

Calls

MARTHA GAYLE

Copyright © 2023 Martha Gayle.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0594-9 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0595-6 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0596-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023916250

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/25/2023

Contents

Acknowledgments

1. Mary’s Heart

2. A Call to Forgive and a New Friend

3. A Dream Becomes Reality While Hearts Are Changed

4. The Closing and Move-In Day

5. Settling In

6. The Celebration

7. New Friends

8. Winter Has Arrived

9. A Call to Encourage and a Surprise Date

10. Spring Is in the Air

11. Girls’ Lunch Out

12. Back to Work

13. Confirmations from God

14. Family Visit

15. A Surprise from Michael and a Baby Shower

16. Mary’s Fall to Temptation

17. A Beautiful Blessing

18. Another Test of Faith

Afterword

New International Bible Scriptures for Reference

Study Notes

Acknowledgments

As the Lord called me to write my first book, I want to thank Him for this journey. From the first words on the page until the end, I cried, laughed, and prayed, and my heart found healing on many occasions.

This journey of my life has been one that could only be given by Jesus. He has carried me, held me up, comforted me, encouraged me, and shown me the love I needed so desperately.

I want to dedicate this book to my daddy, who passed away to be with Jesus just as I finished my manuscript. My daddy was, without a doubt, one of my most incredible supporters. He was an amazing dad and one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He never had the opportunity to read my book, but I know he is with Jesus, which gives me much peace.

Daddy, I will miss you, and until I see you again, I will keep doing what you taught me, which is to desire always to love, sometimes even when it hurts.

I would also like to give God all the glory for this book, as He gave me the words to write, and I pray that the truth of the gospel changes lives. Many have been deceived into believing they are not worthy of His love. Do not believe the lie. You are worthy in Jesus’s name. He loves you deeply!

In John 11:40, Jesus says, Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?

Always believe,

Martha Gayle

1

Mary’s Heart

M ary sat on her favorite bench in the garden at the inn where she worked. She loved spending time there. The garden was beautiful, no matter the season. The colors were always spectacular. The smell of fall was in the air, and the thought of the leaves changing into the most magnificent colors warmed Mary’s heart. As her blonde hair blew in the breeze, she saw a couple of squirrels playing in the distance. Fall and spring were her favorite seasons. She was happy fall had arrived. Autumn reminded her of everything, pumpkin. Two of Mary’s favorite things to do were baking and writing, and fall was a perfect time for both, she tho ught.

Mary loved to write and had a passion for Jesus. She spent much time writing poetry and short stories but always felt she would write a book one day. She took life seriously and believed every day was a gift. Mary had dreamed of a perfect life but had learned that in a fallen world, perfection wasn’t possible. So, when Mary had questions about her life, she sat and wrote. Not often did anyone else see her writings, but she wrote from her heart about whatever was on her mind at the time. Somehow, it helped her to clear her mind or let go of something bothering her. Jesus spoke to Mary often during her writings and comforted her many times.

As she sat enjoying a quiet moment with God, she thought about her childhood and the days of playing outside with her friends, riding to school on her bike with her sisters, laughing, going on kayak rides at the lake, and fishing on the dock with a cane pole. Her dad had bought a place at the lake when she and her sisters were young, and they had made great memories there. Mary remembered how beautiful her dad’s heart had been and he greatly loved his family.

One of Mary’s favorite childhood memories was of the day she and her sisters decided to go hiking. During their hike, they’d grabbed a fishing pole and a half loaf of bread to fish with. Their dad had asked where they were going. Just going on a hike, Dad, Mary had said. He then asked what they were going to have for lunch. They confidently told him they had planned to catch fish and cook them on an open fire.

However, they had not caught any fish during their adventure and were getting hungry, so they had begun heading back. While walking, they had seen their dad. He had been riding around looking for them. Looking back, she remembered the sweetest look on his face. He had stopped to ask how their hike was going. They had been happy to see their dad. He had brought hot dogs and buns, and they’d found a campsite, lit a fire, and roasted hot dogs together.

Mary wished her dad had had more times like those with her and her sisters, as that memory never left her. The memory of him protecting her had given her much-needed security.

As her mind took her back to those days, she realized how lonely she had felt and how much she wished to be loved. Unfortunately, Mary had spent many years seeking that love in all the wrong places.

Her dad had worked long hours every day except Sunday. She knew he loved her and her sisters and had been a great provider, but he had barely been at home because of the responsibility of providing. Her mom had been sick for most of Mary’s childhood. Mary felt the sadness in her mom’s heart. Her mom had done all she could to be a good mom, and she’d loved her family. Mary had great memories of times with her mom. Since her passing, she’d missed her every day.

Mary did not doubt that her parents had done the best they knew in raising her and her sisters, but she had a lot of unanswered questions. Where are the priorities of parents? she thought. How is the family structure being divided by the desires of worldly things instead of following the gospel? If our hearts were set on the things above, regardless of material possessions, wouldn’t there be more peace? Hearts filled with joy and love? Do anxiety and stress come from striving for things that will never bring peace and joy, regardless of your possessions? If we are not rooted in the gospel first, do all worldly possessions lead to an empty, unfulfilled heart? Where did the ideas come from that have changed how we should live?

After asking herself those questions, she was reminded of Matthew 6:19–21: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.

Where is my treasure? Mary asked herself.

Life had been difficult for her dad. Understanding that he was the provider had given him much stress. The expense of raising children and the medical treatments for their mom had become his focus. Mary’s dad was a humble man and had ensured his family’s needs were met the only way he knew how. Mary and her sisters were grateful. She remembered their dad’s tiredness on Sundays, when he would sit at his desk to pay the bills and drop his head down into his hands. That had troubled her, but she knew she couldn’t help him. She’d had no idea how.

She remembered the summers at church camp and being saved at a young age. She knew the Lord. The peace and closeness of the Holy Spirit were indescribable. She’d chased those feelings her entire life, as one could never have enough. Unfortunately, she was missing a vital lesson: she would never find that love in anyone else, only in Jesus! As Revelations 2:4 says, Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

At age seventeen, she’d met Walter. He’d shown Mary love in a way she had never experienced. They had done everything together. They’d held hands, laughed together, and had a romance in a way she had never felt. It had felt right to her. She’d loved the attention she got from him. He’d adored her. She had felt they would be together forever. He’d talked to her many times about having sex. Let’s just do it, he’d said. The decision hadn’t seemed important to Walter, but Mary had felt differently.

Mary had been afraid. She hadn’t wanted to have sex. She knew it was wrong but hadn’t wanted him to leave her, so she had convinced herself it was right. She’d believed he would always be there if she gave herself to him. It’s just part of a great relationship, right? she’d thought. We will always love each other. So, one evening, she gave in to the temptation. Her heart was changed forever.

She had realized it wasn’t right. She had begun to feel more distant from God. She didn’t feel young anymore. She didn’t feel free. What Mary had thought was love had turned out to be the beginning of many new emotions: doubt, discouragement, unforgiveness, guilt, mistrust, and others. After Walter graduated from high school and left home for college, they’d visited as often as possible, but their love had drifted apart. Mary had to continue to move forward with a broken heart, trying to forget the pain.

In the next couple of years, after she’d finished high school and begun working a public job, life had found a way to continue, and days had turned into weeks and weeks into months. Then Mary had met Edward. He appeared to have been popular and fun; love consumed them. Although they both had worked public jobs, they had been together as often as they could be. For Mary, it had been like a storybook romance. She’d thought he felt the same.

Mary had spent much of her life dreaming of being married and having children. She’d wanted to be the best mom and hoped she would marry the perfect husband, who would also be the ideal dad. So when Edward asked her to marry him, she’d said yes.

When Mary had told her mom and dad that she was getting married, they’d agreed and helped her plan a small wedding at their church. She planned her dream wedding on a tight budget. She had also organized a small reception. Family, friends, and church members had made most of the food, except her wedding cake. Mary knew exactly what she wanted: a three-tiered cake with a stairway to the top layer on each side and bride and groom figures on top. She’d borrowed a wedding gown from a friend and felt excited about her dream of marriage becoming a reality. Her mom and dad had decided they could afford to pay an amateur photographer, and Mary was pleased.

On the day of the wedding, Mary looked beautiful but young. She’d had no idea what the future would be, but she’d known she was living in a moment that made her feel complete. She felt pretty while looking in the mirror as she put on her borrowed dress.

The preacher had stood in the front, the groom and best man stood on the left as well as the groomsmen, and the bridesmaids stood on the right. A few excited family members and friends had been there to see the wedding. The church wasn’t full, but Mary was happy. As the wedding song began to play, Mary and her dad walked down the aisle toward them. When the preacher had asked her dad who would be giving her away, Mary had seen tears in her dad’s eyes as he said, Her mom and I. He then sat down. Before they’d known it, Mary and Edward had been announced as husband and wife.

They’d rented a small white wooden house that was aged and needed a lot of work. They’d had no idea what marriage would be like, and the dream of what it should have been had become a reality quickly. Playing house and discussing the future turned into months of stress, work, and responsibilities. Nevertheless, Mary continued to believe their marriage had been perfect as she strived to be the best wife. She’d felt sure they would be together forever. After all, they had gotten married and would always work out whatever came to them.

Mary had longed to be led in a way that pleased Christ. However, they barely attended church together and had never read their Bibles together. She had found her love in Edward, and even with all the trials, she never had suspected what would come next. After a short day of work, she had gone home early, thinking about what she would make for dinner. She’d loved to cook for Edward and make his favorite meals. She’d longed to please him.

As she walked into their rented house, she found him with another woman. She was confused and did not understand. Having no idea and feeling hurt, she’d walked away with nowhere to turn.

Mary had become angry, bitter, lonely, and afraid. Finally, she’d returned to the only place she knew, back home with her parents. She’d continued to blame herself, having no real idea why. Why would he treat me that way? What did I do wrong? Mary had had a personal relationship with Jesus and prayed often but had forgotten how important it was not to let go of His hand, leadership, and guidance. Mary remembered thinking of Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Mary quickly realized she had left her first love and had not protected her heart.

Months had gone by, and Mary was unable to think of anything else. God, how could you allow him to treat me this way? She had become bitter and angry with God. Her heart was crushed, and she had no idea how to keep going. This is life, isn’t it? It is just the way it is; she’d thought. She had begun pouring herself into her work and continued to hide the pain of betrayal.

Often, instead of praying for God’s direction, she’d lived on her feelings and emotions and made decisions that were not always comfortable for her. Not realizing it, she’d allowed the Enemy to drag her down a pit of destruction she never saw coming. She had walked away from the one who loved her most: her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mary had prayed that God would help her use more discernment. She had been young and naive and wanted to believe that everyone around her was honest and that the world around her was good. However, she had come to understand increasingly that she was wrong. As she’d experienced heartaches and troubles, she began having trust issues that shut her down in a way she didn’t like while also beginning to understand the need for forgiveness in her heart.

2

A Call to Forgive and a New Friend

A s Mary continued to forget the pain of her past, she spent her days building her career, and in her heart, she believed her life was good. Her job continued to support her in ways she could never have imagined. Having been a shy girl for most of her life, she began to find her identity in her work at a popular resort called the Inn.

The inn was a beautiful, charming place. It had a unique character. The road leading to the inn was magical. Trees and flowers of every color lined the driveway, and the drive to the inn gave a sense of serenity and peace. Mary was grateful to be part of its daily operations.

During her years at the inn, Mary had realized that people loved her work ethic and personality. Her shyness finally had become the past, and she thrived on the acceptance and confirmation that she was right where she belonged. After two years of working as a front desk representative, she was offered and accepted the position of sales and marketing director.

Mary loved her new position and received much joy from her responsibilities. Although it brought much stress into her life