The word “will” suggests effort but the word “shall” carries a sense of finality. “Will” is more common nowadays, as in: “I will be there!” “Shall” is used more in a legal sense, as in: “I shall be present at the time required.” I think that “shall” ought to be dusted off and used more often.
William Blake’s beloved English poem “Jerusalem” includes both words and the context of each clarifies its slight but important difference: “I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand…”
“I will not cease from mental fight…” In resolving to continue the mental battle, the writer reaffirms his determination to resolve the coming battle’s outcome. The “sword” in his hand is an inanimate object, yet it will not ‘sleep’ in his hand but be ‘aroused’ at the time when needed. His mental victory prepares him the power to use it when the time arrives. It is the readied weapon of his unceasing will to win.
Yet his will has the power to ‘awaken’ it. The word “shall” refers to his sword as the weapon that he will use to win the battle for a “Jerusalem” to replace England’s “dark satanic mills” of the Industrial Revolution.
I’ve written the above not just to improve the way we ought to speak but rather to point out the slight yet important difference between “I will” and “I shall”. The distinction is important when using the Name of the Lord Jesus to heal the sick and especially so when “casting out” demons. The “will” can result in an organic recovery or even an ‘on the spot’ miracle; but the “shall” is often necessary when enforcing a spiritual eviction.
Demonic ‘squatters’ will do as ordered, which means that we need to move from a clearly stated “will” for it to leave in the Name of Jesus to a firm command that it “shall” move — as ordered! Finality is in the word “shall”!
Here’s my maxim: “A demon will go when it knows that you know that it knows that it must go.” A drill sergeant will NEVER allow a soldier who is training a squad to say “I want you to…” A soldier has command, so he or she will NEVER say “I would now like to teach you…” He or she states: “I will now teach you…” (An officer in a British regiment would say “I shall’.)
No ifs, buts or maybes! It’s the same when we minister in the Name of Jesus, who has “All authority in heaven and on earth”. (Matthew 28:18)
When Britain was faced with imminent invasion in WWII, its then Prime Minister Winston Churchill made what became a famous statement of resolve: “We shall fight them on the beaches…” He repeated the word “shall” nine times! Churchill won his war with words and chose “shall” with purpose. No “will” at all, which the would-be invader might perceive Britain as less resolved to repel them wherever they may attempt to land.
We should do likewise.