and was not able to finish

Sometimes things don't turn out the way you think they will. Big Brown's trainer was certain there would be a victory, calling the Triple Crown a "foregone conclusion".

Many approach Heaven with the same sense of certainty, believing that the goodness of their lives will punch their ticket to eternity. Many believe that their good works far outweigh their sins. Many believe that the relative purity of their heart will be enough to make heaven a foregone conclusion.

Friend, unless you have accepted Christ as your Savior, the end of all days will be a far bigger surprise to you than the outcome of a horse race. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man may come to the Father but through Me." Your goodness is not enough. Your good works are not enough. Your heart is not enough. You will lose that race.

Unless you ask Christ into your heart. The Bible says if you do that, that outcome is a sure thing. The Bible says "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." You will be saved.

Big Brown was three minutes away from immortality and fell short. You might be three minutes, three months, three decades away from facing your end. And unless falling short is your goal, that Savior is your only means of salvation. Will you make that choice today?