The deepest roots of Christian thanksgiving go back to the Old World, way back before the Pilgrims, to a story as old as creation.

One of the tough moments in the life of a Christian is being persecuted for your faith. You have discovered the Love of your life in Jesus, and then you find out that this love has a tremendous cost. In some cases, it is costing you your job, your comfort, your dignity or even your freedom. Well, rest in the fact that it is not a surprise to God: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. See the example of Paul and Silas. They were defending the Gospel and found themselves in trouble.