When Bart Millard (Brody Rose) was 11, his mother left him with his gruff, angry father (Dennis Quaid). As he grows up, the boy listens to Christian music for inspiration and eventually puts his feelings into his own music, as he discovers that he has a special talent. 

However, his father is less than supportive, calling Bart's music a "stupid dream" and telling him he's going nowhere. With nothing tying him down, Bart (J. Michael Finley) decides to leave town. He puts all his pain regarding his father into his songs and enjoys incredible success, especially when he writes the hit song I Can Only Imagine.