Naegele’s Rule or God’s Timing? We’re talking about estimated due dates (EDDs). I’m sure, you have experienced or heard this term, directly or indirectly. Commonly used in pregnancy, an EDD is the medical model (Naegele’s Rule) to determine when labor and childbirth should occur, based on “last menstrual period” (LMP). In addition, an ultrasound scan is used with this model, which normally gives another EDD. This equates into “rough guesses” which is down right threatening and stressful to many women.
On the other hand, births are according to God’s timing. They can’t be rushed or programmed to suit anyone’s clock. Based on His authoritative knowledge, God never gives the date or time, but offers precious promises like: “ ..Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.” (Genesis 17:22).
The whole concept about due dates is that it is an ESTIMATE, not a “best before” or “expires by” or even “guaranteed to emerge by” date. EDDs are over exaggerated which causes some women to talk
themselves into “worry,”,“panic,” and become “frantic!” Moreover, the hype of being “late” or “overdue” is carried to the extreme, which sets some women up to be induced and/or railroaded for a c-section.
If you are pregnant, and want to get past the dreaded “what’s your due date” phrase, here’s a tip. When asked, tell folks that you don’t acknowledge due dates and why. If they push the issue, which
they will, tell them your baby will probably come during the due season of November, January, etc. This allows you to avoid the hassle from friends and family so everyone’s hopes will not be fixed on one set “date.” Try it! You will be pleasantly surprised how it works perfectly, even once the EDD has passed.
Last but not least, did you know that there is a commonality between “time of labor and birth” and the “second coming of Christ?” How? They both respond to signs and warnings and deal with a specific time which only God knows. Christ has given signs of His second coming in Matthew 24:32-33. But the day and hour of His coming was not revealed. We are not only to look for but to hasten our Lord’s return.
Thus, the lesson is: ESTIMATED DUE DATE is a statement of belief that most likely will pan out to be false. GOD’S PROMISE is a statement of fact — “But when the fulness of time come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4).