Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja was a bit surprised when he found out that he had cancer. He tried to understand, “Why has Krishna put me in this situation? I prayed to the Lord to use me as He saw fit to teach other devotees.” After some continued contemplation, he began to realize that Krishna wanted him to teach the devotees how to give up one’s body, and how to face death in a fearless way. In his heart, he was trying to fully accept the suffering that Krishna put him in as a test for himself, and as an example for others to see how to overcome difficulties—especially at the time of death.
LFD Vol 3,Spiritual Strength Pg 151, 6th paragraph