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, Christian Living

186 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[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)

[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.

[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.

[Wesley W. · 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.