A Missouri couple, Joyce and Brian Smith, adopt a Guatemalan boy named John, who struggles with issues of abandonment and identity as he grows up. At 14, John is a typical teenager grappling with faith, friends, and fitting in. Despite Joyce's unwavering love and attempts to connect with him, there's a palpable distance between mother and son. The Smiths are also active in their local church community, but John questions his place within it and his relationship with God.

During a winter day, John and two of his friends venture onto a frozen lake despite its inherent dangers. The ice breaks, plunging them into the frigid water below. Rescuers manage to save two of the boys quickly; however, John remains submerged for an extended period. When emergency personnel finally rescue John, he is lifeless and rushed to the hospital. Joyce and Brian arrive to find their son in a dire situation, with grim prospects for survival. As the community rallies around the family, Joyce's steadfast faith compels her to pray fervently for John's recovery, refusing to accept the medical diagnosis. Her conviction inspires those around her to hope against hope, setting the stage for a remarkable confrontation between faith and science.