Michael W. Smith's journey from the depths of substance abuse to a life transformed by Jesus is a powerful testimony of redemption. Born in Kenova, West Virginia, in 1957, Michael experienced a profound spiritual awakening at age 10. Despite his early faith, he succumbed to the temptations of drugs and alcohol after high school. In 1978, he moved to Nashville, hoping to pursue a music career, but instead, he spiraled into addiction.
Overcoming Drug Addiction Through Prayer
Michael's life took a harrowing turn when he nearly overdosed. In his own words, he prayed, "God please don't let me die. I need a rescue because I believe that You've got a call on my life, and the devil's trying to kill me. Do whatever You have to do, just don't kill me." His parents' unwavering prayers supported him during this dark time. "The cool thing was, my mom and dad never condemned me," Michael recalls. "I'm having this interview because of the prayers of my mom and dad."
The Moment God Rescued
In November 1979, Michael experienced a nervous breakdown in his Nashville apartment. Desperate and broken, he lay on the floor, overwhelmed by grief and fear. At that moment, he felt God's presence in an undeniable way. "I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Abba was lying on the floor with His arm around me," he recounts. From that moment, Michael re-committed his life to Christ, knowing he had narrowly escaped death.
Life Transformed by Grace
Embraced by a new beginning, Michael joined the CCM band Higher Ground, which offered him the spiritual accountability he needed. By 1981, he had signed a songwriting contract and began contributing to the music industry, writing for artists like Amy Grant. His solo career flourished with the release of *The Michael W. Smith Project* in 1983.
Today, Michael has sold over 18 million albums, won multiple Grammy and Dove Awards, and continues to impact lives through his music and ministry. His story is a testament to the power of prayer, the reality of divine intervention, and the transformative grace of Jesus.