The film is based on the real life story of Don Piper, who, driving home from a ministers' conference in 1989, crashed into a semi-truck which had crossed into his lane. Presumed dead, Piper lay on a bed covered with a tarp. A passing minister, who had also been at the conference, came to pray over Piper's body and sing to him, with Piper soon joining in. His arm had been severed and his leg was barely attached to his body, forcing Piper to endure a long and brutal recovery, which included being bed-bound for thirteen months. Piper claims to have seen Heaven while he was unconscious and believes he was on his way there before being pulled back to Earth. Piper has said he was infuriated with God, as his injuries meant he had to endure incredible pain before eventually regaining his mobility. After suffering in silence, he wrote the book up on which this film is based and became an accomplished public speaker. His account of the accident, and his life since, sold seven million copies and has been translated into 46 different languages.
The fourth film in which Michael Polish has directed his wife, Kate Bosworth. They met during production of Big Sur (2013), also directed by Polish and starring Bosworth.
This film is the first to be produced by Family Christian Entertainment, a new production company founded by Rick Jackson, the owner of Family Christian Stores, the largest Christian retail chain in the United States.
Dwight Yoakam filmed all his scenes in one day, which explains why he appears in the same locale and wears the same suit.
Veteran character actor Fred Thompson, who was featured in this movie, died less than 2 months after it was released. It was his 2nd to last movie.