Grammy-award and Dove-award winning musician, Michael W. Smith, celebrated 25 years in the Christian music industry in 2008. Smitty, as he is known to his many fans, has pondered that same question. The man who has generated $15 million in career sales didn't have this kind of success on his radar years ago. Did he ever see himself still at the top of his game at this point in his life? Michael says, "No, I don't think you can ever predict that."

He was always very optimistic that he could do this, but more importantly, Michael feels that his music career is what God called him to do. "Whether it's for five years or fifteen, I was like 'Lord I'm yours...this is my dream and this is what I want to do, but if you want me to do something else, I'm willing for you to change my desires."

But Michael's desires weren't always to perform in Christian music. He first aspired to be a pop star. "I wanted to be the next Elton John or Billy Joel. I was going to make pop music, but talk about my faith." Inspired by artists who were playing rock 'n roll but simultaneously talking about their faith, Michael saw an opportunity to reach new generations. But when pop music labels didn't sign Michael and a Christian label took him on instead, Michael was concerned that he might not be able to reach a broader generation. Much to Michael's surprise, he has touched many generations as he has topped the charts in both the Christian and secular markets over the years.

When he started out there were fewer artists trying to break into Christian music, and Michael admits it was easier then. "It's extremely difficult now because there's only so much room out there," he says. "Back then, I was at the right place at the right time. Now, it's like the bar has been raised and you've got to have something spectacular and unique to connect with an audience."

With that in mind, Michael is always challenging himself to not only hit that bar, but to rise above it. He knows that there is always room for improvement. "For me, it's always been about a year ahead. I always think how the next record can be better than the last, and how do you progress and how do you get better at what you do? I feel like God requires excellence of out me. I have this gift that He gave me and what am I going to do with it? I feel like I want to hit a grand slam; that's what I want to do. I think there's that balance of being so good at what you do and striving for excellence and then balancing that with a life of humility. I believe there's a way you can do that."

Today's success is evident as he continues to top the charts and make his mark on the world, but Michael is fully aware that God's career plans could shift at any time. "If God took it all away, I'd punt and do something else. I don't know what that is. Maybe I'd go back and pastor a church like I did for two years or get into youth ministry. Or move to Africa. I don't know. I need to be wide open."

Michael admits that he hasn't always been that open about allowing God to shape his future. "I've always wanted to say that and always wanted to be that way, but I'm sure that when I was young and immature, I was a bit consumed and had to learn a few things along the way, which I think I have. I think I've gotten wiser, and I think I've matured up a bit. I still got a ways to go. I think I'll be learning this thing until the day I cross over to the other side."

One more thing Michael might be doing until he crosses to the other side? Making music. "I don't think I will ever retire. I'm not sure that as believers that we're supposed to retire. I realize that there are times that your job comes to an end and you get older and you can't do things like you're supposed to, but I think there's always Kingdom work to be done and you can do that at 50 and at 85 and 90, you know? So yeah, I think I'll always be writing songs until the day I die--at least I hope I will."