Benjamin Rush

August 2, 2026
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The Encouragement Every Discouraged Man Needs. Every man eventually faces a season when the weight feels too heavy. Maybe you're carrying the pressure of providing for your family, leading at work, protecting your marriage, or fighting a battle no one else knows about. Discouragement doesn't mean you're weak—it means you're human. Benjamin Rush reminds us that one of the greatest gifts a man can give is encouragement. Before Washington's victory, there was a conversation that strengthened a weary leader. Sometimes God doesn't remove the battle first; He sends someone to remind you to keep going. And other times, He calls you to be that someone for another man. Take time this week to truly listen. Reach out to a friend who's been quiet, encourage a coworker who's carrying a heavy load, or remind your family that God is still faithful. Your words may be exactly what someone needs to stay in the fight. Never underestimate how God can use simple encouragement to strengthen a discouraged heart and accomplish something far greater than you can see. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Full Transcript

August 2. Benjamin Rush. At the age of 23, Rush, the physician, became the first professor of chemistry in America. He also published a tract on the evils of the slavery and helped organize the first anti-slavery society in America.

He was brilliant and accomplished and prolific, but some also called him, “unshakable in his convictions, as well as self-righteous, caustic, satirical, humorless, and polemical.” No, Rush was not perfect, but God did use him. Rush also founded the first college in America—Dickinson College and educated 3,000 medical students. On this date in 1776, he signed the United States Declaration of Independence.

For a discouraged man, encouragement can be timely.

It looked as if the colonies were going to lose the American Revolution. Benjamin Rush was disheartened.

But during the summer, he had become a member of the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. It was a step of faith—an effort to support the cause that would bring freedom to America. The next spring, Rush was appointed physician-in-chief of the military hospital of the Middle Department of the Continental Army.

As the war progressed, Rush had to help on the battlefield. He joined the Philadelphia militia, who supported George Washington. In Bristol, he tended to the soldiers’ health, but more than that, he encouraged the men to stay strong, to remain firm in their duty.

By the time a dreadful winter descended on the area, the excitement of declaring independence had diminished, and the stark realities of war glared. Just before Christmas, Rush met with General Washington near the Delaware River, and Rush could see how discouraged and ragged the Continental Army was. Not enough guns. Treacherous icy weather. Some of the men were fighting barefooted. Some had rags tied around their feet in place of boots. Washington seemed depressed.

Rush listened intently and reminded the General that the Continental Congress supported him and knew that the war had been tough. They had faith in Washington’s leadership.

Washington began to scribble on some papers. At first, Rush didn’t think anything of it, until a single paper accidently fell by his feet. The words on the page were: “Victory or Death.”

The following evening, Washington had to take troops across the Delaware to contain the risk of 1,000 Hessian soldiers. Large chunks of floating ice made the river hazardous to cross. And a heavy snow storm had hit 10 miles south, where Rush had returned to the militia in Bristol.

But the next morning brought miraculous news: Washington had been successful in his crossing and had taken 1,000 Hessians by surprise. Rush also learned the password for the mission: “Victory or Death.”

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

Listening well is often the key to encouragement. Look for opportunities. For a discouraged man, encouragement can be timely.

August 2. Benjamin Rush. At the age of 23, Rush, the physician, became the first professor of chemistry in America. He also published a tract on the evils of the slavery and helped organize the first anti-slavery society in America.

He was brilliant and accomplished and prolific, but some also called him, “unshakable in his convictions, as well as self-righteous, caustic, satirical, humorless, and polemical.” No, Rush was not perfect, but God did use him. Rush also founded the first college in America—Dickinson College and educated 3,000 medical students. On this date in 1776, he signed the United States Declaration of Independence.

For a discouraged man, encouragement can be timely.

It looked as if the colonies were going to lose the American Revolution. Benjamin Rush was disheartened.

But during the summer, he had become a member of the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. It was a step of faith—an effort to support the cause that would bring freedom to America. The next spring, Rush was appointed physician-in-chief of the military hospital of the Middle Department of the Continental Army.

As the war progressed, Rush had to help on the battlefield. He joined the Philadelphia militia, who supported George Washington. In Bristol, he tended to the soldiers’ health, but more than that, he encouraged the men to stay strong, to remain firm in their duty.

By the time a dreadful winter descended on the area, the excitement of declaring independence had diminished, and the stark realities of war glared. Just before Christmas, Rush met with General Washington near the Delaware River, and Rush could see how discouraged and ragged the Continental Army was. Not enough guns. Treacherous icy weather. Some of the men were fighting barefooted. Some had rags tied around their feet in place of boots. Washington seemed depressed.

Rush listened intently and reminded the General that the Continental Congress supported him and knew that the war had been tough. They had faith in Washington’s leadership.

Washington began to scribble on some papers. At first, Rush didn’t think anything of it, until a single paper accidently fell by his feet. The words on the page were: “Victory or Death.”

The following evening, Washington had to take troops across the Delaware to contain the risk of 1,000 Hessian soldiers. Large chunks of floating ice made the river hazardous to cross. And a heavy snow storm had hit 10 miles south, where Rush had returned to the militia in Bristol.

But the next morning brought miraculous news: Washington had been successful in his crossing and had taken 1,000 Hessians by surprise. Rush also learned the password for the mission: “Victory or Death.”

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

Listening well is often the key to encouragement. Look for opportunities. For a discouraged man, encouragement can be timely.