I am always amazed when I hear pastors from the pulpit cite their various experiences which ultimately led them into the ministry.

Does God actually talk to us? If we believe in the manner that the 10 Commandments were delivered to Moses, then the answer is clearly “yes.”

You don’t even have to go to church, however, to bear witness to the testimony of some among us, that the Holy Spirit governs and guides their every action. I have many friends who are Christians who refuse to make an important decision until the Holy Spirit enters them. They are everywhere, Christians who appear to have their own advisor and protector.

God does speak to us, and in many ways. If you are in alignment with his spirit, he will, in fact, protect you from evil.

I did not totally believe ministers when I would hear them say that God had called them to the pulpit until God taught me a lesson I will never forget.

Several years ago, I was a successful and well-known educator. I also operated a super successful nonprofit organization that regularly received local and national attention.

I was frequently asked speak at major colleges and universities around the country on subjects related to education and juvenile crime. At the time, I was a single parent of three adorable children. I was very happy with my life.

And then it happened.

For no apparent reason I was terminated from my job of more than 20 years. I had no other person to turn to but God. I questioned him as to why he would allow such a horrible thing to happen to me. At the same time, my chief financial officer intentionally cost me a substantial sum of money. It was at this time that I discovered that it is true – God does speak to us.

The night before I was headed to court against my former employer, the biblical verse(that I was not familiar with)  Psalm (NIV) 3:3 “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high,” appeared to me in my dream.

It was God telling me that he would fight my battles. He did. In court, I won a major settlement against my former employer.

My former employee – well, I just placed him in God’s hands.

Dr. Glenn Dowell is an author and columnist who currently lives in Jonesboro, Georgia. He has been a guest speaker on major college campuses , including having appeared on TV programs such as the Oprah Winfrey Show. He may be reached at gdowell@live.com