For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional

by Hanna Reichel

A guide for ordinary Christians seeking to live faithfully in extraordinary times

“This is not the first end of the world. Many worlds have ended.”

In an era of political polarization, eroding democratic norms, and rising authoritarianism, many Christians find themselves disoriented, wondering how their faith should inform myriad daily decisions. Drawing upon both scholarship and pastoral wisdom, theologian Hanna Reichel offers a timely resource for believers seeking spiritual grounding amid societal upheaval.

For Such a Time as This provides a thoughtful framework for discernment rooted in scripture, historical wisdom, and the core commitments of Christian faith. Through meditations on scripture, reflections on historical precedents including the Confessing Church’s resistance to Nazi Germany, and portraits of inspiring figures who maintained their integrity in the face of oppression, Reichel guides readers toward their own Christian response to the present moment.

Written specifically for ordinary believers, this accessible volume acknowledges that while some are called to dramatic public witness, all must face the daily challenge of living faithfully as long-established institutions and systems reveal their fragility. Neither alarmist nor complacent, Reichel reminds readers that Christians throughout history have faced the collapse of worlds they once took for granted—and have discovered unexpected liberation in the process.

For anyone troubled by current political trends and searching for ways to disentangle faith in God from misplaced trust in political systems, For Such a Time as This offers both challenge and comfort. Readers will come away with practical wisdom for navigating our uncertain times, a deeper understanding of Christianity’s resources for resistance, and renewed energy for the urgent tasks that faithful discipleship demands today.

“None of this is unprecedented; what is unprecedented is that today it is we who have to do the hard work of seeing idols smashed, grieving and picking up the pieces, holding them into the sun, and seeing new refractions of light in their edges.”

Genres: Religion, Politics, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Living

180 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is excellent, comforting and compelling. I plan to keep it near for reference and re-reading often.

[William Weld-Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an important book for the times we are in. Hanna Reichel is a young, queer, German professor of theology at Princeton who has written a devotional made up of 3-4 page reflections on scripture that show us a way to move forward in the face of the authoritarianism of the Trump regime. She uses lessons learned, or not learned, from the church in Nazi Germany as authoritarianism grew in that country, with an emphasis on the Confessing Church and Detrich Bonhoeffer. For instance, in her devotional on the importance of encouraging and supporting each other, she uses a scripture from Paul. “What have you that you did not receive?” She talks about how people in the resistance used letters to keep their movement alive. She writes: “Whatever the medium – these messages served to clarify their thoughts, name their realities, and strengthen their resolve. The created space to exchange ideas, dream dreams, and make plans. They imparted wisdom and instruction and allowed it to be passed on further. The Nazis considered many of these communications criminal, some even acts of treason, and people died to pass along such messages. That’s how dangerous communication of insights, beliefs, and ideas was to the regime.” Then she asks again, “What do you have that you did not receive? We have all received grace upon grace from others. Be on the lookout to find more.” I like that. I read one a day for 28 days. Some were thought-provoking and on-target, like this one. Others were just ok, but overall, this is a good resource for keeping your sanity, and your faith alive, in perilous times.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book and a very important one for what Christians are currently experiencing in the USA. Reichel reports on the way Christians responded during the beginnings of the rule of Hitler and draws parallels to the current era. She helps us see the different attitudes and challenges us to think through our own possible godly actions. For someone like me who tends to remain silent, she challenges, “Indifference is consent to what is happening.” (69)

The format is somewhat devotional in style with readings organized in four sections, following the liturgy format. She includes a few thoughtful questions at the end of each reading but do not ignore the latter 35 pages or so that form a study guide to the book. I'd put a bookmark there and also go through those comments and questions along with the earlier devotions.

If you had time to study only one book in your discipleship group this year, this should be the book. It is essential material for Christians who are looking for insight on how to live in such a time as this. (6)

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summoning the wisdom and insights of the Confessing Church in Germany that refused to submit to and collaborate with the Nazis, Reichel writes what they call an emergency devotional. It is theologically, politically, psychologically, and spiritually insightful. It is readable and memorable. And rather than idealistically triumphant, it is gritty, grounded, and gracious in the ways it calls us to hope, faith, and love in our postures and in our action.

I read this devotional daily this past month and it was a great encouragement to stay more resiliently in the faith and in the struggle for more humane relationships with myself, my communities, and my democracy during a time of rising tyranny.

[Cathy Hine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This timely book is deeply inspiring. These short devotional readings draw our attention to the chaos of our world while reminding us we have been here before. Herein is the challenge - we’ve learnt nothing from history. Drawing on history, the writings of theologians and the relevance of the Holy Scriptures, we are challenged to own our responsibilities while reminded we are not alone. I will have to read this again.

[Joe Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reichel's study of the German church under the Nazi regime informs her counsel for the American church under Donald Trump. Each chapter is firmly rooted in Scripture, which challenges us to demonstrate our faith in the face of rapid cultural change. Pithy and uncompromising, For Such a Time as This is a timely read for these days.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful little book that offers hope and grounding in ever-changing times. Light on theology, but in this rare case, that makes it more accessible for believers of all types. Lots of references to historical Christians during challenging times, with heavy emphasis on Bonhoeffer and the German Christian church. All around, a pleasure to read and something to which I expect to return often.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick survey of the daily news might lead one to believe that all people of faith are right wing conservatives. This little book is a welcome counterweight to that narrative and a great comfort to faithful believers who don’t buy into the ideas of Christian nationalism. Organized into bite sized chapters, it’s easy to read but thoughtful, intelligent, and well grounded in theology.

[Catrina Berka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hopeful, practical, and scripturally-based guide to walking faithfully in our present moment’s rise of authoritarianism and Christian nationalism. Kristin Kobe’s Du Mez offered the best, most succinct description of this book: “It’s like On Tyrrany for Christians.” I’ve highlighted my physical copy and will be revisiting it again.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking but easy read. (Not your traditional devotional.) Includes historical references, "dig deeper" citations, and practical suggestions. Especially appropriate for faith-based book groups.

[Jan Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for Christians!! Reichel speaks to the importance of following God’s truth in the uncertainty of this time in history. The study questions at the end of the book spark introspection and thoughtful reflection. A book we need “For Such A Time As This”!!!!

[Kristina Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent. Dr. Reichel has taken my scattered anxieties about being a Christian in 2025 USA and organized them into steps of empowerment and faithfulness. I am immediately re-reading.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect collection of reflections and challenges for our time. Balanced, bold, and well-grounded, this book will be an encouragement and a call to action for some time.

[Elicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions that are at the end are also great! Looking forward to going back through in a few months.

[Wesley Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was therapeutic... but it was also more than that. It expanded my horizon and offered a glimmer of hope in what seems like hopelessness. I hadn't read a "devotional" in a long time. Usually they're shallow, the Christian version of self-help, power-of-positivity, kitsch. But this book is so different. It is an exemplar of holding the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. And it's not optimistic. It faces—squarely and honestly—the fracture of our situation. But it does so with courage and hope in a crucified and risen Christ. I LOVE this book! I will be reading it again.

[Charles Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is is both urgent and beautiful. Written (I assume) in the pattern of Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny" it contains 28 short "devotions", drawing from Scripture, and offering simple and concrete suggestions on ways Christians can act under a tyrannical regime. How can we keep our hope? How to best spend what societal capital we have? This book is so timely. Read it - and then read it again.