By Jeanni Ritchie
If the first I Can Only Imagine reminded us that God redeems the past, the follow-up gently but powerfully explores something just as hard: trusting Him in the middle of the unknown.
This next chapter in Bart Millard’s story walks straight into fresh trials — the kind that don’t resolve neatly and don’t come with easy answers. It is a reminder that the devil doesn’t lay down after your first victory. Bart’s journey, including his relationship with his eldest son, is explored throughout the film.
Bart’s efforts to keep his son safe cause him to take back the reins of control, something many parents face when their child is in danger. It takes deep faith and obedience to leave your child in the Lord’s hands when the devil is whispering your parenting failures in your ear.
Bart’s storyline is intertwined with the journey of Tim Timmons, the new opening act for MercyMe. Played by Milo Ventimiglia — a realization I didn’t make until the very end of the movie — Tim’s steady resolve and jovial demeanor in the midst of the biggest storm of his life had me wanting the theater operator to push pause on the reel so I could google everything there was to know about this artist. (I waited until the show ended and got back in my car to do a mini deep dive!)
The faith displayed in the movie — those moments when God is quiet, but you still serve Him faithfully anyway — is the message behind the MercyMe song Even If. Cowritten by Bart and Tim, the lyrics affirm faith in the God who still performs miracles — but even if He doesn’t, hope remains in Him alone.
Sometimes faith shines brightest in the long middle — the waiting, the wondering, the walking it out day by day.
If the first film was about redemption, this one is about endurance.
And for anyone currently walking through something that hasn’t yet resolved… this story will likely meet you right where you are.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
